dated December 2, 1950: The Korean crisis

As on December 1, the news from Korea was grave. Four Chinese armies had driven the troops of the United Nations back towards the North Korean capital and several other armies were poised across the Manchurian border ready to enter the fray, if need arose. General MacArthur's offensive to end the war in time for Christmas had misfired in the face of the full-scale Chinese intervention. It would have been easy for the United Nations Command to deal with the troops actually fighting in Korea. But, the position had radically changed when the enemy could retreat into Chinese territory, refreshed and reinforced itself and then return to fight another day. When the 38th Parallel was crossed India had warned the United States that China would most certainly intervene. Gen. MacArthur was inclined to discount this suggestion.

Despatches from London, Washington and Lake Success were being followed in New Delhi with keen interest and anxiety. Mr. Attlee's visit to Washington was a positive indication of the gravity of the situation. It was expected that Mr. Attlee's mission would help to ease the tension and open the way to fresh negotiations by which the conflict in Korea could be localised and a world conflagration averted.

Public utterances by President Truman and Mr. Bevin in defence of General MacArthur followed from the growing general bitterness against the Supreme Commander which had reached a crescendo in Britain and Europe.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Miscellaneous
Previous : Fountain source of all Truths
Next     : Weather