MacArthur Says Enemy Has Lost Chance Of Victory In Korea; Battle Now My Joined

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 July 1950, Page 5

MacArthur Says Enemy Has Lost Chance Of Victory In Korea; Battle Now My Joined

TOKIO, July 20 (Reed. 7.30 p.m.)—'‘With the deployment in Korea of major elements of the Bth Army now accomplished, the first phase of the campaign has ended and with it the chance of victory of the North Korean forces,” said General MacArthur today.

He said: “The enemy’s plan and great opportunity depended upon the speed with which he eould overrun South Korea once he had breached the Han River line, and with overwhelming numbers and superior weapons temporarily shattered the South Korean resistance. This chance he has now lost, through the extraordinary speed with which the Bth Army has been deployed from Japan to stem his rush.

“When he crashed the Han line the way seemed entirely open and victory was within his grasp. A desperate decision to throw in peacemeal American elements as they arrived by every available means of transport from Japan was the only hope to save the situation. Skill ana valour thereafter were displayed in successive holding actions by the ground forces in accordance with this concept, brilliantly supported in complete co-ordination by air and naval elements, forced the enemy into continued deployments, costly frontal attacks and confused logis-i tics, which so slowed his advance and blunted his drive that we have| bought precious time necessary to build a secure base.” General MacArthur said American casualties, despite overwhelming odds, had been relatively light. Future developments could not be predicted. Military strategy would involve planned withdrawals, as well as local advances, but the American strength would increase, while the Communists would decline. “ General MacArthur said: “The enemy has had his great chance, but failed to exploit it. We are now in Korea in force and, with God’s help we are there to stay until the constitutional authority of the republic is fully restored.”

Yongdok, 60 miles north of Pusan, has fallen to numerically superior North Korean forces, according to an announcement from Bth Army headquarters in Korea. South Koreans, forced to evacuate Yongdok, withdrew only a short distance.

Reuter’s correspondent says the Americans may shortly have to take over the brunt of the fighting on the northward approaches to Gaegu. as well as the westward entrance they are at present blocking around Taejon.