Main North Korean Offensive In The North Has Faded

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 September 1950, Page 5

Main North Korean Offensive In The North Has Faded

Seven Divisions, Attacked For Four Days, Are Now Being Hit

TOKIO, Sept 7 (Reed. 10.35 p.m.).—The main Communist offensive along the northern front appeared to have petered out, an American Bth Army spokesman said today. He added that elements of seven North Korean Divisions had been attacking heavily for four days, but now “everywhere they

pushed they were hit.” Another American spokesman said today that there was absolutely no indication that Chinese troops were fighting on the southern front in Korea. He added that the Americans hail taken plenty of prisoners, but all North

Koreans. The British brigade held its line firmly yesterday, throwing back light Communist probing attacks after mortar and artillery shelling, a British spokesman said today. There was ‘no material damage" to the position. Two battalions kept contact with the right flank of the United States 2nd. Division.

United Nations forces today began removing all non-essential civilians from Masan, a port and base town on the south-western front. This followed information from North Korean prisoners that a special force of 100 had been ordered to infiltrate into Masan and create trouble. The evacuation will continue until the entire non-essential population, estimated at 75,000, has been taken out. The entire south-western front was o.uiet today, with drenching rain falling. Communists continued incessant probings round the shortened Allied defence front today, but threw more heavy attacks at the south, where the Americans are defending the shortest route to Pusan.

North Koreans are building up reserves all round the front for a renewal of the seven days old offensive against the Americans, British and South Koreans. Communist motor convoys—under heavy attack by United Nations warplanes last night—are streaming south along the highway network behind the Naktong River front. Communists driving south in heavy rain tonight were reported only six miles from the key city of Taegu. The temporary South Korean capital is sand-bagged for street fighting. Small groups of guerrillas have been roaming the surrounding hills for some days. An American patrol caught civilians carrying am®unition, including Russian mortar bombs. Communists threw a very heavy mortar, artilelry and small arms fire tonight at the whole southern >t>nt from the coast to the Nam River, but surpringly did not follow Up with an infantry assault. In the 2nd. United States Division sector facing the Naktong bulge, a battalion of Communists attacked about noon today and fight' ing still raged by evening. In the northern part of the Second Division sector, south-west of Taegu, two battalions of Northerners threw American outposts back to the main line.

British troops are defending a strip of river a few miles to the north of this built-up area. The First Cavalry sector which is on the British troops’ right flank, resisted heavy pressure throughout the day though the fighting slackened because of heavy rain.