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NORTH KOREAN CAPTURE OF USS PUEBLO
The USSIGINT ship patrolling international waters off North Korea, was seized by the North Koreans late last night Washington time.
A. AtM Eastern Standard Time last night the Puebloorth Korean patrol vessel aboutautical miles from the North Korean coast.
When challenged, the Pueblo signalled itS vesselydrographic mission in international waters, and attempted to leave the area.
The North Koreans nevertheless ordered it to heave to, opened fire and then boarded the ship. Four US crewmen were wounded, one critically.
The intercepting North Korean patrol vessel, by then accompanied by three others, towed the Pueblo into Wonsan.
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B.
II. The Pueblo arrived off the North Korean coast
onanuaryeek SIGINT collection operation, the first targeted against North Korea. The closest point of approach to the North Korean coast was to beautical miles (the Koreans claim territorial waters ofm).
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This incident points up North Korea's constant concern over possible border violations-heightened in this case by direct US involvement. Pyongyang can be expected to use this incident to confirm its oft-stated claims that US "imperialists" have placed "spynow confined to South Korean fishingoff its coasts for intelligence collection and agent activity. US Counteraction
A. M this morning US authorities had taken the following steps:
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nuclear carrier Enterprise, the nuclear-powered guided missile frigate Truxton, and the destroyer Collett were ordered to reverse their Vietnam-bound courses and head forautical milesof Pusan, South Korea. Thc radar picket destroyer Higbee was ordered to go from Saocbo, Japan to join the task group of the Enterprise.
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Original document.
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