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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 1792　12 October 1950

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - 1076)　8 October 1950

PW was very cooperative and intelligent. No attempts were made to evade questions asked. Was in good physical and mental condition. Reliability - fair. No further interrogation recommended.

Mar 41 - Went to Manchuria from Korea to join father.

May 41 - Sep 43 - Taught at SHULAN (舒蘭) Primary School (吉林) CHI-LIN HSIEN.

Sep 43 - Aug 45 - worked as an educational encouragement official, CHI-LIN HSIEN SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.

Sep 45 - May 46 - Taught at SHULAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, CHI-LIN - HSIEN.

5 Jun 46 - Enlisted in SHULAN SECURITY UNIT in grad of private. The strength of the organization was approx 800 men. All of the troops were of Korean ancestry. There was only this Korean unit in SHULAN County. CHILIN HSIEN at this time. No information available on ther units. THe SHULAN SECURITY UNIT was under the direct control of the SHULAN County Administration and had no direct connection with the CCF. The security unit has platoon and company level units stationed throughout SHULAN County to protect Korean property and lives from Manchurian vandals who terrorized the area since the termination of World War Ⅱ.

25 Jun 46 - All of the SECURITY UNITS in Manchuria were deactivated by order of the NORTHEAST DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE ARMY (Manchuria Proper) (東北民主联軍) and were incorporated into its ranks. One company of Korean Troops, numbering about 100 men, was assigned to a battalion of the Northeastern Democratic League Army. PW was assigned to 7th Co, 3rd Bn, 7th Regt, 3rd Div which was then stationed in TUNHUA (敦化), CHILIN HSIEN. For some reason unknown to PW there were two Korean companies, the 7th and 8th Co’s, in 3rd Bn, 7th Regt, 3rd Div. PW does not know whether there were other Korean troops assigned to the 3rd Div.

Oct 46 - The commanding officer and assistant commander deserted with intentions of returning to Korea. Consequently, the 7th and 8th companies were merged and reorganized as 7th Company. The company strength was maintained at 100 men and the excess personnel were reassigned within. the 7th Regt. The new 8th Company was composed entirely of Manchurians. PW received orders to attend the Northeastern Democratic League Army Military Administration College.

1 Dec 46 - 20 Jul 47 - Attended the CHILIN BRANCH of the Military Administration College which was located in JUNG-CHING (龍井). There were approx 250 Koreans and about 500 Chinese and Manchurian troops enrolled in the college. The instructions were given in both Korean and Chinese. Of the estimated 250 Koreans enrolled in the institution approx 100 were able to speak Chinese and these men received their instructions in Chinese. The remaining 150 Koreans who did not understand Chinese. The remaining 150 Koreans who did not understand Chinese were taught in the Korean Language.

Originally the period of instruction was planned to extend over a period of two years. However, because of the critical military situation in Jul 47, all of the students were graduated and assigned to combat units.

Curricula included the following:

1. Social science

2. Political Science

3. History of the Chinese revolution

4. Manual Labor

The majority of the instructors were of the YEAN school instructors and about eight Chinese instructors in the entire school.

Daily period of classroom instruction lasted four hours. During the remaining hours, the students were given one hour of study period and were required to perform manual labor. During the manual labor period which usually lasted for four hours, the students farmed, hauled timber and performed other strenuous work under the surveillance of the instructors. The purpose of this was to eliminate the more theorists and further indoctrinate the true communist minded individuals. At times the students were required to labor for 8 hours without rest. The normal daily schedule was as follows:

(Daily Schedule)

0600 - Reveille

0600-0630 - Physical Training

0630-0700 - Clean-up period

0700-0800 - Current Events Period (Monitors read the daily newspaper to the students)

0800-0900 - Breakfast

0900-1100 - Classroom instruction

1100-1200 - Study period

1200-1300 - Dinner

1300-1400 - Sleeping period

1400-1600 - Classroom instruction

1600-1800 - Manual labor period

1800-2000 - Study period (actually manual labor period)

2000-2100 - Supper

2100-2200 - Free time

2200 - Taps

Only volunteers were considered for enrollment. All applicants were screened and only those of the acceptable ideology were selected. Applicants who were of the laboring class in civilian life were preferred. those selected were all fluent in their ability to speak, read and write Korean or Chinese. No formal educational backgrounds was required.

The graduates were assigned to civilian or military positions. Some of the graduates became school teachers, civil administration office workers, etc, while the remainder were assigned to military units as cultural officers. There was no discrimination in the assignment of Korean and Chinese graduates. Consequently, a large number of the Korean graduates were assigned the civil and military organizations in Manchuria. Of the estimated 250 graduates of Korean ancestry, 40, including PW, were destined for assignment in NK. PW was told by his instructor that the NK government had requested the repatriation of 40 men due to the shortage of trained administrative personnel. The students were not given commissions upon graduation, but were given priority in assignment and promotions.

28 Jul 47 - 40 graduates departed LUNG-CHING by rail. Disposition of the remaining graduates unknown.

30 Jul 48 - Arrived P’YONGYANG and reported to the Internal Affairs (Police) Ministry. The men were then assigned as follows: 17 men, including PW, were assigned to the Internal Affairs Ministry, 3 men were assigned to the Prosecutors Office of the North Korean Police Department and the remaining 20 men were assigned to the People’s Democratic Party. Since the men were unfamiliar with the North Korean administrative system, all assignments were of low classification, ie, squad leaders, clerks, etc. The policy governing assignment was that if the men were of high calibre material, they could be promoted to better positions after starting at the bottom rung of the ladder. Prior to assignment with the Internal Affairs Ministry, the 17 men were given a brief background investigation by the Chief of Staff Assignment Section of the Internal Affairs Ministry.

13 Aug 47 - Assigned to the Propaganda Office, of the Cultural Section, Internal Affairs (Police) Department, North PYONGAN Province Administration. PW was given a job as a propaganda script writer in grade of Sgt. The Cultural Section was responsible for the indoctrination of all Internal Affairs Department members in in lower echelons. The Internal Affairs Dept was located in SINUIJU.

5 Aug 47 - Promoted to the position of Chief of the Education Office. Promoted to rank of Lt. As Chief of the Education Office, PW was responsible for the education and production of Internal Affairs (Police) Department personnel and prevent the abuse of their authority.

28 Jun 48 - Promoted to the position of Director of Public Peace Section. Promoted to Capt. In this capacity, PW was responsible for explosives control, maintenance and operation of industrial machinery, control of industrial machine operators, and public sanitation.

5 Sep 48 - Ordered to attend the Peace Preservation Staff Training School. The school was located in YONGSONG. (2 km N P’YONGYANG)

5 Sep 48 - 14 Nov 48 - Enrolled in the above institution. There were approx 100 students enrolled in the school. All of the students were internal Ministry Officers of County level Internal Affairs Department Chiefs and above. The purpose of the school was to extend refresher courses to officers who were promoted to higher positions. In addition to this the purpose of the school was to educate the younger officers and prepare them for the future positions of responsibility that most of them would occupy after the retirement of their superiors.

Initially, the length of instruction was planned to extend over a period of three months but with the activation of additional security units at SINUIJU, SUP’UNG, MANP’OJIN, HYESANJIN, NAMYANG and AOJI (新義州, 水豊, 滿浦鎭, 惠山鎭, 南陽, 阿吾地) and the subsequent shortage of officers, approx 30 officers, PW included, from among the 100 students were sent to the units. The remainder of the officers were assigned within the Internal Affairs (Police) Ministry.

CURRICULA CONSISTED OF:

1. Political Training

a. North Korean Democratic System

b. History of Communism

c. History of Korea.

2. Military Training

a. Bn Tactics

b. Garrison Administration

The instructors were officers of the Internal Affairs Ministry.

15 Nov 48 - PW, alone, departed P’YONGYANG by rail for HYESANJIN (惠山鎭) with orders to assume the position of Rear Echelon Commander of the 4th Border Constabulary Battalion.

18 Nov 48 - Arrived HYESANJIN.

18 Nov 48 - 25 May 49 - PW was assigned to the 4th BC Battalion in HYESANJIN in the above capacity. The 4th Bn was activated on 15 Nov 48, concurrently with the activation of the other border constabulary battalions of the Manchuria - Korea border. The units activated were as follows:

SINUIJU - 1st Border Constabulary Battalion (Bc Bn)

SUP’UNG - 2nd Bc Bn　　〃　　　　　〃

MANP’OJIN - 3rd Bc Bn　〃　　　　　〃

HYESANJIN - 4th Bc Bn　〃　　　　　〃

NAMYANG - 5th Bc Bn　 〃　　　　　〃

AOJI - 6th Bc Bn　　　　　〃　　　　　〃

The above units were separate battalions and were directly under the control of the securtiy Department of the Internal Affairs Ministry. Until the organization of the border constabulary battalions, there was only one company of border constabulary troops averaging 50 men each at the above locations. The mission of the units was to prevent any illegal traffic across the border.

When PW joined the 4th BC Bn (18 Nov 48), only 400 untrained recruite were assembled. The men were not from any specific place in NK. The organization of the 4th BC Bn, as with the other battalions organized concurrently, was not completed by 25 May 49 because of constant transfers of the men to the 1st and 3rd Constabulary Brigades which were dispersed a long the 38th Parallel. As of 25 May 49, there was only an average of 400 men to each of the border constabulary battalions.

25 May 49 - The 2nd, 4th and 6th (Sep) Border Constabulary Battalions were deactivated. One separated border constabulary company of about 50 men was activated concurrently with the deactivation of the battalions at each of the three locations (SUP’UNG, HYESANJIN and AOJI). The remaining men of each deactivated battalion were transferred to the 1st and 3rd BC Brigades. PW heard that the reason for the deactivation was to strengthen the constabulary units along the 38th Parallel. The commanders and officers of the deactivated battalions were ordered to P’YONGYANG.

27 May 49 - Arrived P’YONGYANG and reported to the Security Department. Of the 40 officers who arrived about 30 received assignment to the 1st and 3rd BC Brigades. The remaining officers, with the exception of PW, were assigned to office of the Security Department.

27 May 49 - 30 Jun 49 - PW remained unassigned and spent his time transferring property and records of the deactivated 4th Bn to the Security Department.

7 Jul 49 - Received orders to report to the 2nd Coastal Security Unit in CH’ONJIN and assume command of the logistics section of that unit.

9 Jul 49 - Arrived CH’ONJIN and was assigned in the above capacity. The strength of the 2nd coastal Security Unit was approx 500 men. The area of responsibility of the unit extended from SINP’O (新浦) to NAJIN. The unit had two boats and two 10 meter, self powered patrol boats of Korean manufacture. The boats did not have any fixed armament. The 2nd Coastal Security Unit was activated on 15 Nov 48 concurrently with the activation of the separate border constabulary battalions. The reason for its activation was that the 1st Coastal Security Unit which was then situated in WONSAN had too much difficulty in maintaining strict security of the entire east coast north of the 38th Parallel. With the activation of the 2nd Coastal Security Unit, the area of responsibility for the 1st Coastal Security Unit was designated to include the coast between the 38th Parallel and SINP’O.

The 3rd Coastal Security Unit operating out of CHINNAMP’O was responsible for the maintenance of security along the west cost of N Korea. The strength and equipment of the 3rd Coastal Security Unit was identical to that of the 2nd Coastal Security Unit. The strength of the 1st Coastal Security Unit in WONSAN was also about 500 men but PW heard that the unit had better equipment than the 2nd and 3rd Coastal Security Units. There were no coastal security units along the YALU River.

25 Oct 49 - The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Coastal Security Units were officially incorporated into the Peoples Defense Ministry. With the exception of the commissioned officers, all of the personnel and equipment were transferred to the Defense Ministry. When the change in command was effected, the “Coastal Security” designations were eliminated and the units became known as elements of the N Korean Navy. Details of the latter are not known.

30 Oct 49 - About 30 commissioned officers of the former 2nd Coastal Security Unit arrived P’YONGYANG and reported to the Internal Affairs Ministry for reassignment. All of the officers with the exception of PW were required to undergo a refresher course at a temporarily organized officer training school in P’YONGYANG.

30 Oct 49 - 25 Nov 49 - Involved in clearing records of the former 2nd Coastal Security Unit.

25 Nov 49 - Received orders to report to the 825th Unit which was then stationed in MANP’OJIN

27 Nov 49 - Arrived MANPO’JIN and assumed command of the Supply Section. This unit was also known as the Military Administration Training Center. In reality, the unit was merely a stockade and indoctrination. camp for ROK personnel who deserted to or were captured by the NK’s.

27 Nov 49 - 10 Aug 50 - On 27 Nov 49, there were 119 ROK prisoners. By 10 Aug 50, the number was slightly increased to 123. There was no discrimination made in treatment of those who surrendered and those who were captured. All were captured prior to the outbreak of the war. There was a detachment of 40 security troops to guard the prisoners and handle camp administration. The prisoners were fed three times per day. One ration consisted of 700 grams of grain. Usual daily ration consisted of:

1. 600 grams of rice

2. 100 grams of other grains such as wheat, barley, etc.

3. 6 cigarettes

4. 20 grams of salt

5. 35 grams of meat (twice per week)

6. 20 grams of soy sauce

7. There was no standard amount of vegetables since the prisoners grow their own.

8. 4 bowls of soy beans per month

There was no change in the rations after the outbreak of the war. Daily schedule followed by the prisoners was as follows:

0600 - Reveille

0600-0615 - Physical training

0615-0700 - Cleanup period

0700-0800 - Roll call and breakfast

0800-1200 - Political indoctrination, classroom work usually lectures.

1200-1300 - Dinner

1300-1700 - Labor period, manufacture of chop sticks and hats, farming, etc.

1700-1800 - Recreation period, song fest, games, etc.

1800-1900 - Supper

1900-2000 - Recreational indoctrination period, taught songs, etc.

2000-2200 - Self study period

2200 - Taps

The prisoners were billeted in a 60 x 6 x 6 meter wooden building with a gabled tile roof. The building was formerly a middle school building and was in reasonably good repair. The perimeter of the enclosure was about 3 km. There were no deaths. One medical officer and 2 nurses were assigned to the camp.

10 Aug 50 - The 825th Unit was deactivated and all of the 123 prisoners were dispatched by rail to a central PW enclosure in HOERYONG. All of the commissioned officers of the 825th Unit were recalled to P’YONGYANG. The enlisted men were sent as replacements to combat units. Details of the HOERYON PW Camp unknown.

12 Aug 50 - 11 officers of the deactivated 825th Unit arrived P’YONGYANG by rail and reported to the Internal Affairs Ministry.

17 Aug 50 - 8 officers from the above group, PW included, departed P’YONGYANG by truck with orders to report to the Security Forces Hqs in SEOUL for assignment.

19 Aug 50 - Arrived SEOUL. The officers were assigned to various security units of the 105th Security Regt stationed in KWANGJU, 103rd security Regt, disposition unknown, and the 102nd Security Regt stationed in CHONJU.

24 Aug 50 - PW, alone, departed P;YONGYANG with orders to report to 102nd Security Regt. PW managed to hitch a ride with the Sig Bn of the SECURITY Forces Hqs which was enroute to CHONJU.

28 Aug 50 - Arrived CHONJU. There were no incidents enroute. Assigned as Regt’l Supply Officer.

28 Sep 50 - The Mission of the 102nd Security Regt was the maintenance of security within North CHOLLA (全羅) Province. Disposition and strength of the 102nd Regt was as follows:

CHONJU Regt’l Hqs - 30 men

I-RI 25th Bn 800 men

KUMJE 3rd Bn - 800 men

YONGGANG 4th Bn - 800 men

TAEJON 2nd Bn - 800 men

Total strength of the 102nd Regt was approx 3,800 men. The 2nd Bn was enroute to TAEJON from CHONJU on this date. PW heard that the intention of the Regt was to assemble at UNJANG-SAN and withdraw northward. At about 1300 hrs, US troops arrived in CHONJU. The officers and men of regt’l hqs scattered in all directions.

29 Sep 50 - PW arrived SOYANG-MYON and was captured by ROK troops.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY:

MINISTER: PAK, IL O (朴一禹) (박일우)

Age - 40 REMARKS: Came from China

SECURITY DEPT CHIEF - PAK, HUN IL (朴勳一) (박훈일)

Rank - Lt. Gen. Age 37 REMARKS: Ex CCF Officer, CG Security Forces Hqs.

CHIEF PUBLIC SAFETY DEPT: PAK, HYO SAM (朴孝三) (박효삼) Rank - Lt Gen Age - 40 REMARKS: Russian educated.

CHIEF THOUGHT POLICE DEPT: PANG, HAK SE (方學世) (방학세) Rank - Lt Gen Age - 37 REMARK: Russian educated.

CHIEF CULTURAL DEPT: YUN KONG HUM (尹公欽) (윤공흠) Rank - Maj Gen Age - 40

825th UNIT

CO: MUN, HUNG JU (文興周) (문흥주)

Rank: Lt Col Age - 32 REMAKRS: Japan educated

POLITICAL EDUCATION OFFICER: HONG SA JONG (洪思宗) (홍사종) Rank; Maj Age - 32

REMAKRS: Last known to be with the 105th SECURITY Regt in KWANGJU.

102nd SECURITY REGT

CO: KANG TAE MU (姜泰武) (강태무) Rank Col, Age - 26 REMARKS: Never been out of Korea

ASS’T CO: LEE, MIN (李민) (이민) Rank - Lt Col, Age - 34 REMARKS: Never has been out of KOREA

CULTURAL OFFICER: HONG SONG JUN (洪성준) (홍성준) Rank - Lt Col, Age - 36 REMARKS: NEver has been out of Korea.

Miscellaneous Personalities:

NAME: YU SI CHANG (劉時昌) (유시창) Rank - none Age - 27 DISPOSITION: Korean Ancestry, political science instructer, NORTHEASTERN DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE ARMY, MILITARY ADMINISTRATION COLLEGE, CHILIN Branch. Last Konwn to be in CHILIN, Manchuria. Graduated of YENAN SCHOOL.

NAME: CHU PO JUNG (Korean Pronounciation) (周保中) (주보중) Rank: None, Age - 50, DISPOSITION: Superintendent CHILIN Branch of the military administration college. Chinese Ancestry. Last seen in CHILIN, Manchuria Jul 47.

NAME: KWAK, TONG SO (郭東曙) (곽동서) Rank: Lt Col, Age - 47 DISPOSITION: CO of 2nd Coastal Security Unit, CH’ONGJIN, until 25 Oct 49. Present location unknown.

Although the 102nd Security Regt had not seen combat, as of 28 Sep 50, morale of the troops was quite low because of the lack of weapons and proper training. An estimated 99% of the regt’l strength were ROK citizens who were conscripted. The manner in which the men fled when encountered by a handful of US Troops on 28 Sep 50, clearly indicates that the men had no will to fight.

PW saw leaflets of the INCH’ON landing and states that it caused considerable demoralization among the officers since they realized that they did not have the equipment nor the supplies to wage war.

PW believes that since the majority of the troops were ROK personnel, they would willingly surrender if given the opportunity.

The 102nd Regt had only 2 truck loads of ammunition on 28 Sep 50, which was abandoned during the withdrawal. 100% of the rations were procured locally. Approx 12,000 kg of rice was transported to UNJANG-SAN on 27 Sep 50, in preparation for the impending withdrawal. The amount was sufficient to feed the entire regt for two weeks. In addition to this 30,000,000 ROK Won (1000 Won denomination) was also set to UNJANG-SAN. The money was to be used to procure rations.

Code Numbers - 102nd Security Regt - 5395

Equipment - Only about 50% of the 102nd Regt troops were armed.

1. Rate of Exchange - 1 NK Won - 8 ROK Won (Aug 50)

1 NK Won - 13 Manchurian Gen (Jun 48)

2. Extent of Usage - The people had faith in the value of their currency and it was the standard medium of exchange.

40 quarts of rie - 300 Won free market price.

5 quarts of rice - 37.50 Won ration price.

PW did not see any armor in NK after the outbreak of the war.

On 1 Aug 50 a Chinese Artillery unit of undetermined strength moved on the Manchurian side of the border opposite MANP’OJIN, Korea. No infantry was observed. Observation was made from the Korean side of the border. Last observed 10 Aug 50. No details. No information available on possible Chinese Communist intervention in Korean War.

For the Commanding Officer: