04/13/1961 -- RESTLESSNESS IN SOUTH KOREA -- CURRENT INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMAR

Created: 11/29/2000

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Current Intelligence Weekly Summary

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY OFFICE OF CURRENT INTELLIGENCE

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South Korean security forces have been alerted to the possibility of new public disorder on the occasion of the first anniversary of Rhec's downfall. There is widespread dissatisfaction, particularly in urban areas, over the failure of the Chang Hyonto meet the high expectations engendered by last year's revolution. Leftist groups appear to beore prominent role in stirring up public unrest,radual swing of public support toward the left seems inevitable In the absenceore vigorous refors

CURRENT INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMARY

RESTLESSNESS IN SOUTH KOREA

Korean security forces havo* been alerted 'in case thereew upsurge ofdisorder On the anniversary of the overthrow last April of the Rhee regime. over the failure of the Chang Myon administration to meet the high political and economic expectations of the revolution is widespread,In urban areas, Chang has putumber of limited political and economic reforms, but he has not displayed the' dynamic lenaCffthip to win broad public confidence,

Public apathy and the lack of an emotional Issue minimize the prospectassive move that could bring down the government but incidents of violence, which seem likely, could leaderious clash between demonstrators and the police. Tbe authorities have scheduled events by government supporters In order to deny the use of public places to anti-government demonstrations on the anniversary of the student uprising which led to Rhee's overthrow.

This and other recent actionsendency by tho government to rovert to the repressive tactics of the Rhee regime in order to silence criticism. Early in March the authorities made an inapt attempt to suppress byfiat the country's new and only leftist-orientedMlnjok Ilbo.

The administration also is seeking more stringentlegislation to combat public disorder and subversion. Tbe pending Demon stmtDill would limit public demonstrationsalf-hour at any location and would prohibit demonstrators from blocking public buildings, using loudspeakers, orin front of embassies and private hones. roposed amendment to the NationalLaw is so loosely drawn that the conservativefears lt may be used to silence legitimate criticism. Even administration legislators are divided on support tor the measure.

At the same time, leftist groups appear to beore prominent role in stirring up public unrest. Recently leftists, presumably Communists, have been identified attempting to organize the students. ard core of subversives is thought to have beenfor the "PWKfflTOFORB[LEASE pro-Coo-i; 51jOj

can slogansaVnes be tweon police and demonstrators onarch.

The capabilities of the police have gradually improved, and their recent training and performance indicate that they probably can control moderate disturbances. radual swing of publictoward the left seems Inevitable io the absence of

reform program.

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