A POSSIBLE SOVIET ACTION IN KOREA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00904A000100020073-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 13, 2005
• Sequence Number: 73
• Publication Date: May 26, 1951
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2005/1
VW_
CONFIDENTTAZ,
141RAORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: A Possible Soviet Action in Korea
26 May 195
o us conce a o
Tne vari
amo g
s s o a 1.on in he Far East, that of a "peaceful" re-
occupation of North Korea (or of a considerable part of it)
ought not to be overlooked. The Soviets might suddenly
announce to the world that, US forces having returned to
South Korea, their on troops were again being sent into the
northern part of the country to preserve order and protect
the inhabitants, etc., and to shield the borders of the USSR
itself from danger. Such a move night well be advertised by
the Soviets as having no belligerent intent or implication;
if conflict with the US were to follow it would be owing to
US initiative.
2. We have made no thorough study of the likelihood of
such a move, or of its implications and probable consequences,
but we believe that it should be given serious consideration.
For more than half a century the Russians have demonstrated
their deep interest and concern in Korea; during the 1890's
they discussed the possibility of partitioning the country be-
tween themselves and the Japanese. The Soviets would be most
reluctant to accept the loss of North Korea and the establish-
id such
T
o avo
ment of UN forces along the Yalu River.
developments they might well move into North Korea not with
the intention of provoking a clash with US forces, but with
the hope of avoiding such a clash and of returning to the
state of affairs which existed before the US and the USSR
forces respectively had terminated their previous occupation.
J-833
RDP79R00904A0 !~'1R1'Rr0"
WILLI.A34 L. LAN ER
Assistant Director
National Estimates
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Approved For Release 200}FE!'P79F 00904A000100020073-1