Evening star., 1950-07-27
Aid Of British Troops
In Korean War Cheers
U. 5. Defense Leaders
By John A. Giles

stabs by Communist armored col
umns. were encouraged today by
the announcement that Britain is
sending trained ground troops to
join the embattled Americans in
Korea.
The fast-moving Reds along the
fluid and flexible Korean front
were certain to encircle addi-
tional elements Of the American
and South Korean forces during
the days Just ahead. although
many Of these likely would find
their way back to their own lines.
But more reports of missing
in action. coupled with the lack
of ground support from other
United Nations. has brought forth
the fear at the Pentagon that
isolationism might again be the
reaction of the domestic front.
Public Reaction Feared.
To date the casualties have been
amazingly low, but officials are
beginning to wonder how long the
public will accept defeats and
casualty lists without reacting.
And such a grass-roots reaction
could backfire and affect the arms
aid and Marshall plan programs.
The London announcement did
not specify the size of the combat
group to be sent to Korea. but 1t
was learned here that it would
be a self contained fighting task
force of 5000 to 5000 men or
more.
The British unit will have its
own supply line, administrative
services. tanks and anti-tank
weapons and engineers. Turkey
has offered $500 trained combat
troops.
At Lake Success, N. Y, U. N.
officials said eight countries are
offering them $4,000 ground
troops.
Australia, which began mobiliz-
ing for an all-out war, was re-
cruiting force to fight in Korea
but officials here expressed the
opinion that such a force was
needed now and that if it had to
be recruited 1t might be too late.
1t takes time to train and equip
men, they pointed out.
At Canberra, Acting Prime
Minister Arthur w. Fadden an
nounced Australia will soon send
the destroyer Warramunga to aid
the Korean campaign. She will
join the Australian destroyer
Bataan and the frigate Shoal-
haven already In United Nations
service.
Mr.. Fadden declared "Australia
is determined to accept its re-
sponsibilities until aggression in
Korea has been crushed"
Canada Debates Question.
A report from Ottawa said the
question of providing Canadian
ground troops for the Korean war
was again under consideration.
But there is as yet no sign that
the Canadian government intends
to shift from its position of last
week that no Canadian ground
forces will be sent "at this stage"
Venezuela said today in reply to
a United Nations request for aid
in Korea that it could not furnish
troops.
Pentagon officials still maintain
that a bridgehead can be- held in
South Korea-one official out
lined an area with a 100-mile front
and some so miles deep around
the important supply port of
Pusan.
The Americans and South Ko-
reans, in the strategy of trading
space for time, are running low on
both commodities.
ReinforcementS from this coun-
try are underway, but some
Pentagon officials make it plain
that this cannot be enough.
Want Troops Equipped.
officials here prefer that any
troops contributed to the United
Nations campaign in Korea be in
organizations of not less than
1000 men, trained. equipped and
supplied for initial fighting.
Later, the Far East Command of
the United States can provide the
supplies, but it is desired that
when ground forces land in the
war zone they be ready to 60 into
action quickly with their equip
ment and field supplies.
The Pentagon noted the depar-
ture of Hollands colonial army
from Indonesia. These soldiers
have fought for years and are
highly skilled in areas like Korea.
1t. Gen. Burman Van Vreden,
commander of the Dutch forces
in Indonesia, said diversion to
Korea was "out of the question. :"
There appeared to be some
difference. of opinion between the
State and Defense Departments
on the United Nations contribu-
tions. While defense leaders
privately were worried over the
lack of ground troops available in
this country to throw into the
conflict and the lack of immediate
contributions from the United
Nations, Secretary of State Ache
son said the United States was
pleased over the way offers of aid
were coming in.