정치관련 개요

[illegible] Depa t[illegible] of State [illegible]ato FAR EASTERN A[illegible]RTMENT OF S[illegible]oer, S[illegible] [illegible] [illegible] D.C. DIRECTOR Date of Sailing: MAY 17, 1948 Department of State MAY 25, 1948 8:50 A[illegible] [illegible]wing is political summary for period April 1st through April 30th, 1948: V. DISORDERS. Organized Communist-directed violence begun February 7 was intensified in period, its subjects including election officials, election candidates, voting booths and Rightist leaders as well police and police boxes. Total killed rose to 154 (including policemen), as compared with 107 in March (20 policemen) and in February (33 policemen). Increased total of deaths is counted for by disturbances in Cheju Island, where 67 (including policemen) were killed and where virtual guerilla conditions were developed from April 3rd outbreak. Cheju, dominated by radicals, has always resented peace preservation by mainland police, and in March 1947 sizeable police reenforcements had to be flown to island to quell general strike arising from alleged grievances against mainland police and officials. Recent arrivals rightist youth squads added to latent resentment of islanders, that Communist agitators found them ready allies in current campaign. The Military Governor flew to island at close of month to survey the situation. To meet Communist program and protect preparations for election, several new and extraordinary measures were taken. On the government offices and substations were kept under emergency guard. Use of deputized citizens to assist in peace preservation authorized. To prevent possible abuse of this by police or political parties, Military Governor on 21st proclaimed organic defining functions of such deputies, after issuing explanatory statement day before. In this statement General Dean said that divice as deputies was voluntary, that the purpose was to help police maintain order during elections, that they were under jurisdiction of local administrative official who alone had authority to summon deputies, and that no political youth groups would be Vowed to perform protective functions as such. National police pe also was further strengthened by establishment of mobile police groups, equipped with bicycles and armed with U.S. M Day carbines. Indicative perhaps of sharpening intimidation, terrorism and of nerves on part of Communists was revival of ancient system signal bonfires on mountain tops. Numerous such fires attributed Communist signaling were reported over wide areas in period. Special precautions against May Day riots were taken by police. 27th editors of three Left st press were arrested for printing praise of violence and alleged refusal to the Communist Trade Union (Chun Pyung) of permission to hold separate celebration of May, and inciting citizens to join violence. On 22nd dispute developed at Taegu between procurators and lice over question of warrants, leading to alleged police vasion of district court. On 24th Chief procurator left Seoul look into dispute, which seems to be related to standing alousy between two branches of law enforcement.