SOUTH KOREA

Created: 6/15/1961

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

CURRENT INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMARY

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dominant position of Maj. Gen. Pak Chong-bui, the generally acknowledged leader of tbe South Korean military junta, la emphasized byune of theof the standing committee of the ruling Supreme Council for National Reconstruction (SCNR); n addition to the chairman, the standing committee is composed of the heads of the sevencovering tbe general areas of government administration and appears likely to become the focal point of power within the SCNR.

There Is considerable evidence, however, that Pak's authority is circumscribed by factional divisions within the Junta. Recent voting patterns inmember Supreme Council reveal three primary groupings, with most junior officers looking to Lt. Col. Kim Chong-pll for leadership. Kim is theand security boss for the regime but isember of the Supreme Council. As SCNR members are presently identified, Pak is supportedimnd SCNR chairman Lt. Gen. Chang To-yong by 5. Kim has reportedly been associated with Pak since the earliest stages of the coup, but recenthas raised some question as to his loyalty to Pak.

There have been indications that the regime willarsher policy toward highof the former government. Pak recently publiclyumber of former ministers with Communist activities.

A number of former senior offas retired General Chong Il-kwon,to tbe Unitedwill be given diplomatic assignments to keep them out of the country. One exception, however, isLt. Gen. Song Yo-chan, who is studying in the United States and has been named minister of defonse to succeed Acting Minister Sin Ung-kyun. Song Is credited with baving avoided large-scale bloodshed when he was army chief of staff at tbe time of Rhoe's ouster last year. He is noted for his efforts to combat military corruption and, although he was personally loyal to Rhee, is believed largely to have stayed out of politics.

The public at large remains

generally passive toward the regime, but American observers see growing apprehension among educated urban elements. To develop support, the Junta has announced the establishmentationwide national front movement designed to "Inspire the nation with fresh spirit, encourage new life, and anti-Communistass rally held In Seoul onune was scheduled to attractersons. rowd of0ostly teen-age students and housemaids, according to .press reports.

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