Evening star., 1948-10-21
Loyal Korean Troops
Close in on Rebels in
Southern Mountains
BY the Assoeiofed Press


SEOUL, Korea, Oct. 21.-Ko-
rean Army units closed in on
insurgents in the southern
mountains tonight and a high
source predicted a quick end to
the revolt.
Within 48 hours, the government
source predicted, 1900 rebels in the
mountains will be captured. And
in four days or less the cities of
Yosu, southern springboard Of the
resurrection, and Sunchon, will be
fetaken by the government, he said.
The cabinet of President Syng-
man Rhee In a four-hour session
lifted martial law In all of the re-
public except Northern and South
ern Cholla provinces.
An American offer of additional
material was rejected by the cabi-
net, the government source said, on
the grounds the situation Is under
control.
Loyal troops sealed of the rebels
on the southern end Of the penin-
sula by quick action. Army units
moved on the insurgents from four
directions and blocked escape by
sea from the harbor Of Yosu.
Some Rebels Put to Flight.
Spreading from Yosu yesterday,
the insurgents swept through Sun
chon. 40 miles northward, and moved
on Namwon, 80 miles beyond. Be-
tween the two points loyal force
intercepted some Of the rebels and
put them to flight after q fight.
Near Namwon the insurgent force
split. It's strength was estimated
at 1000 after the original rioters
were joined by freed Communist
prisoners and some civilians-some
of the rebels, carrying red flags, re-
portedly took to the hills near
Namwon and another segment
headed toward Kwangtu, capital Of
South Cholla province.
Prime Minister Lee Bum Suk said
400 soldiers and policemen had been
killed and that several women were
raped by the insurgents.
Korean Army headquarters here
tonight was uncertain whether
most of the rebels were skulking in
the hills or planned stand against
loyal troops.
No u. 8. Troops Involved.
United States Army headquarters
said no American troops were in
volved. They had been alerted but
1t appeared unlikely any of them
would be needed to restore order.
As a precaution, one American
adviser with a constabulary COM
pany ut Sunchon was recalled last
night. He had not reached Seoul
tonight. His name was not given
There was no indication here that
any large-scale fighting had taken
place. Because of the ruggedness
of the terrain and poor communica-
tions it may be days before the
whole story is known.
Government sources here said
Yosu was chosen for the outbreak
because it Is on an isolated spit and
Is closest to Cheju Island, scene OF
extensive activity.
The Prime Minister said Commu-
nists had long planned the out
break and that it was purposely
started deep in the south to get
away from any charge that Com
munists from the Soviet zone above
the 3sth parallel had anything to
do with 1t.
Radio Stirred Revolt.
Loyal Koreans pointed out that
South Cholla Province was the for
mer bailiwick of PAX Huen Young,
foreign minister Of the Soviet
sponsored government in North
Korea. He was once a Communist
organizer in the province.
The Communist-controlied North
Korean radio at Pyongyang of late
has been pumping for South
Koreans to rise up against Amer
ican occupation forces and the new
government Of President Syngman
Rhee.
Prime Minister Lee said the out
break In the army at Yosu was led
by Mai. Oh Dong Knee, COM
mandant Of the garrison, who re-
Gently had been freed from arrest.
Mr.. Lee said the rioting soldiers,
some 80 in number, killed or cap
tured 100 policemen at Yosu.
It was at Sunchon that the worst
fighting took place, with some 300
killed.
Seoul newspapers were forbidden
by the government to mention the |
uprising for fear 1t might provoke
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