Download Research Report HSC Korean War

Model United Nations of Dortmund 2015, Research Report, Historical Security Council
Forum:
Issue:
Student Officer:
Position:
The Historical Security Council
The Korean War
Anneke Siebeneck
President
Procedure of the Historical Security Council of MUNDo 2015
The debates of the Historical Security Council of MUNDo 2015 will be divided into three
phases which will be:
1.) 30.06.1950
North Korea has just invaded the South and the SC has come together
to discuss the recent developments.
2.) September 1950 The KPA has moved on a lot and pushed back the resistance so far that
the UN command controls only 10% of the country in the Southern area
of Pusan
the USA is seeking for the SC to allow stronger actions to
fight back the North Korean forces
3.) 26.04.1953
As the fighting has continued for long with no real advances, but many
casualties, a peaceful solution to the conflict is now to be sought
through negotiations.
In the following document you will find detailed reports about each phase as well as a
summary of the causes that led to the outbreak of the war.
Please be aware of the fact that in each phase the final date of action considered will be the
one named above. Everything happening afterwards is not to be included in the debate.
Nevertheless we highly recommend to research even further than 1953 to find out information
about your countries opinion so you might be able to obtain some knowledge about secret
actions taken in that time which only revealed afterwards.
Furthermore we would like you to consider that this forum is going back in order to
possibly change the course of events during the Korean War and not repeat history all over
again. Therefore you should research the issue in great detail and think about what the HSC
can do better than the Security Council in 1953 in order to find a peaceful and long-lasting
solution.
Since the Historical Security Council will have an ad-hoc debate, please also prepare, apart
from Position Papers for this issue, some Operative Clauses we can debate about.
Please remember to submit your Position Paper until the deadline on 12 January and do not
hesitate to contact us in case you have any questions or concerns regarding your research or the
procedures. We look forward to meeting you at the conference!
Yours sincerely,
Anneke Siebeneck and Amin Ommada
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Model United Nations of Dortmund 2015, Research Report, Historical Security Council
Background Information (1910-1950)
The Korean Peninsula has witnessed many invasions in the path and to understand the
outbreak of the war in 1950 it is necessary to begin with the official annexation of Korea to
Japan with the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty of 1910 following the Russo-Japanese War
which Japan won in 1905 and after which Korea became a protectorate of Japan.
The Korean population fought against the Japanese government with the help of China
from which parts were also controlled by Japan. The communist party of Korea fought against
the Japanese in Korea and Manchuria led by Kim Il-Sung, making him an important
personality in the resistance from 1941 to 1945.
During World War II Japan recruited Korean soldiers into its army and used Korean food.
In 1940 Japan expanded its territory southwards starting with entering Indochina in
September. The allies imposed sanctions against Japan however Japan continued its
expanding policy in order to gain raw materials which were located in those areas. After the
attack on Pearl Harbor on the 7th of December 1941 the United States of America as well as
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland declared war on Japan followed by
Germany and Italy declaring war on the US. Until spring 1942 Japan expanded further but the
allies fought back and had their first success in May 1942 at the Battle of the Coral Sea. The
allies had many defeats but managed to retake the areas Japan invaded before and the first
Americans reached Japan in February 1945. In this month, the Yalta Conference took place
during which the US, Great Britain and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
discussed further proceedings and the future of countries after the ending of World War II. It
was decided that all Easter European countries would be free and free elections should be
held. In addition they should be pro communism and maintain good relations with the USSR.
In the issue of the Pacific War it was decided that the USSR would enter the war against
Japan three month after the ending of the war in Europe.
Japanese expansion from 1940 to 1942 (Picture 1)
After the dropping of two atomic bombs, one on Hiroshima and one on Nagasaki on the
6 and 9th of August 1945 which killed over 150,000 people and left long-lasting damages
and the fulfilling of the commitment to declare war on Japan by the Soviet Union, Japan
surrendered on the 2nd September of 1945.
th
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Model United Nations of Dortmund 2015, Research Report, Historical Security Council
Immediately after this the US occupied the southern area of the Korean peninsula, while
the USSR had been occupying the northern area since August 1945 already. Two new nations
were created, divided by the 38th parallel and at the Moscow Conference in December 1945
the US and the USSR decided that Korea should gain its independence after a five-year
trusteeship. Since the Korean population had hoped that they would be independent after the
occupation of Japan riots broke out which were forbidden by the controlling countries USSR
and the US. Both countries named new leaders in their part of the Korean peninsula. The
northern area was controlled by Kim Il-Sung, the leader of the Korean Workers’ Party (KWP)
while the leader of the southern area was Syngman Rhee.
Korea divided by the 38th parallel(Picture 2)
There were riots and demonstrations, especially along the border at the 38th parallel.
However, South Korea elected Syngman Rhee as president in July 1948 and gained
independence on the 15th August 1948 with which the Republic of Korea was established.
Shortly afterwards on the 9th of September 1945 the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
(DPRK) is established in the northern part of the peninsula whose leader is Kim Il-Sung, also
known as eternal leader of DPRK.
Both nations on the Korean peninsula wanted a united Korea with their political attitude
being carried out. The government of the Republic of Korea violently fought against
communists in their country killing many of them, while Kim Il-Sung prepared an invasion of
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Model United Nations of Dortmund 2015, Research Report, Historical Security Council
South Korea by increasing his forces. He tried to convince Stalin to launch an attack in spring
1949, however Stalin did not wanted to go to war with America which still had troops
stationed in South Korea. The US planned to have their last troops withdrawn by June 1949.
The USSR already withdrew its troops in 1948.
During the Chinese Civil War the USSR supported the communistic party and accepted the
government of the People’s Republic of China before any other member state of the United
Nations. Therefore the delegate of the USSR Jacob Malik demanded to replace the Nationalist
delegate of the Republic of China, which had a veto in the Security Council, with a delegate
from the People’s Republic of China. Since several nations were against his suggestion, he
left several meetings and called out the Soviet Unions boycott of the Security Council on 13th
of January of 1949. He made an exception when voting on his own resolution to replace the
Nationalist Chinese delegate with one from the PRC which failed being vetoed by the US and
disapproved by several other member states. After this, Malik vowed to only attend meetings
of the SC again, if the Nationalist Chinese delegate would be excluded. The remaining
member states of the SC decided to continue without the delegate of the USSR.
Stalin finally agreed to an invasion of the Republic of Korea after the US withdrew all its
troops from the peninsula and it became clear that they would not interfere in the Chinese
Civil War which the communistic party won in 1950. He thought that the US would not
interfere in a conflict in Korea as well and therefore gave his permission for King Il-Sung.
However he named the condition that Mao Zedong, the leader of the People’s Republic of
China, would agree to an invasion. Mao did so because China needed the economical and
military support of the Soviet Union. North Koreas military forces were increased by Stalin
who sent professional trained veterans of World War II and the Chinese Civil war, as well as
tanks, artillery and aircraft.
Timeline of events (until June 1950)
Autumn 1905
Japan wins Russo-Japanese War
Korea becomes protectorate of Japan
August 22, 1910
Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty
1939-1945
World War II
December 7, 1941
Japanese attack on US base Pearl Harbor
December 8, 1941
The US, the UK and several other nations declare war on Japan
December 11, 1941
Germany and Italy declare war on the US
Until May 1942
Japan invades several areas near by
May 4-8, 1942
Battle of the Coral Sea
first success for the allies
February 1945
The first Americans reach Japan
February 4-11, 1945
Yalta Conference
May 8, 1945
Germany surrenders
August 6, 1945
First US nuclear attack against Japan (Hiroshima)
August 8, 1945
USSR declares war on Japan
August 9, 1945
Second US nuclear attack against Japan (Nagasaki)
August 1945
USSR occupies northern area of Korea
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Model United Nations of Dortmund 2015, Research Report, Historical Security Council
September 2, 1945
Japan surrenders
September 9, 1945
US occupies southern area of Korea
December 27, 1945
Moscow Conference
1946-1950
Chinese Civil War
August 15, 1948
Republic of Korea gains independence
Syngman Rhee is elected president
September 9, 1948
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea gains independence
Kim Il-Sung becomes leader
1948
USSR withdraws its troops
June 1949
The last US troops are leaving the Korean peninsula
January 13, 1950
USSR boycott of UN Security Council begins
March 1950
Communistic party wins Chinese Civil War
June 25, 1950
North Korean forces cross 38th parallel and invaded South Korea
Relevant treaties and UN resolutions
Japan-Korea
Annexation Treaty
(August 1910)
Following the Japan-Korea Treaties of 1905 and 1907 this one
officially states that Korea is annexed to the Japanese Empire.
The treaty was signed by the Japanese Emperor and the Prime
Minister of Korea while the Emperor of Korea Sunjong refused
to do so. The Japanese ruled over Korea from 1910 to 1945 and
improved the infrastructure and education and helped Korea to
modernize. However, the Korean population was discriminated
and therefore was not in favour of the Japanese government.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Japan-Korea_Annexation_Treaty
Yalta Conference
(February 1945)
The Heads of State of the US (Franklin D. Roosevelt), the UK
(Winston Churchill) and the USSR (Joseph Stalin) decided in
Yalta about the future of European countries after the war and
the further proceedings regarding the situation in Japan. It was
decided, that France, the UK, the US and the USSR should
govern Germany. All eastern European countries should held
friendly relations with the USSR and should have free elections.
In addition it was decided that the USSR should enter the war
against Japan at last three month after the surrender of Germany.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/wwii/yalta.asp
Moscow Conference
(December 1945)
At the Moscow Conference the foreign ministers of the USSR,
the US and the UK met to discuss further procedures in Europe
and Asia. They prepared peace treaties with several European
countries and talked about the situation of further countries such
as China. In addition they established the Allied Council for
Japan in order to end the Pacific war quickly. Regarding the
issue of Korea they decided to re-establish an independent
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Korean country, which should be assisted in the first years by
the newly established Joint Commission. Furthermore it was
decided that until the four-power trusteeship for a period of 5
years elapses the USSR should command in northern Korea and
the US should do so in southern Korea.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/decade19.asp
Important key terms and key characters
38th parallel
The winning powers of World War II, mainly the USSR and the US,
decided that the 38th parallel will serve as a border between South and
North Korea until Japanese powers left the country and Korea could
be united again. At the beginning they did not intent to divide Korea
but wanted it to be independent and reunited as fast as possible.
Kim Il-Sung
Kim Il-Sung is the founder of the DPRK and its leader from 1948 to
1994. He had feld during the Japanese occupation and underwent
Soviet training. He was appointed leader of North Korea by the
USSR after the ending of World War II and established a
communistic government. Kim is suspected to be a harsh ruler and
also the initiator of the Korean War since he actively approached the
USSR and China to support his plan to invade South Korea in order
to reunite the Korean peninsula.
Syngman Rhee
Syngman Rhee was appointed leader of the provisional government
of South Korea and became the first president of the Republic of
Korea afterwards and was in this position until 190. Since the US
supported his country, he was strictly against communism and acted
violently against communists opponents of his own policy
Bibliography
Internet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Civil_War (14/11/20)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Conference_%281945%29 (14/11/20)
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/648813/World-War-II/53562/The-Germans-summeroffensive-in-southern-Russia-1942 (14/11/20)
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005155 (14/11/24)
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/wwii/yalta.asp(14/11/24)
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/decade19.asp(14/11/24)
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Japan-Korea_Annexation_Treaty (14/11/24)
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soviets-boycott-united-nations-security-council (14/11/20)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War (14/11/20)
http://www.history.com/topics/korean-war (14/11/20)
www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/coldwar/korea_hickey_01.shtml
Pictures:
1) http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/media_nm.php?ModuleId=10005155&MediaId=398
2) http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091230182811/althistory/images/e/e6/Korea1950-NSC.jpg
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Model United Nations of Dortmund 2015, Research Report, Historical Security Council
1st Phase (until 30th of June 1950)
Although the boarder at the 38th parallel was
controlled regularly by South Korean and
American intelligence officers as well as UN
observers and they did notice the movement of
North Korean troops southwards, they predicted it
to be normal defence measures and failed to warn
South Korea. This led to the army of Syngman
Rhee being completely unprepared for an attack of
the Korean People’s Army (KPA).
Boarder at the 38th parallel (Picutre 3)
Until today it is not clear, who fired first since the DPRK claimed the Republic of Korea to
be the first one which fits to the statement of South Korea that they had captured the city of
Haeju. However, it is clear that the fighting started on the 25th of June 1950 at the Ongjin
peninsula in the west. Shortly afterwards the KPA launched attacks all along the 38th parallel
crossing it with over 100,000 troops with which the Republic of Korea Army (ROK Army)
was completely overtaxed. The KPA further destroyed the US airbase at Gimpo.
The US ambassador in South Korea called for help and as a reaction, President Harry S.
Truman called the US air force to support the ROK Army. Furthermore he moved munitions
and weapons to South Korea, which proved Stalin wrong who had predicted the US to not
interfere in any further conflicts. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 82
calling for an immediate ceasefire and the DPRK to withdraw its troops.
During the following days the evacuation of areas near the 38th parallel started. Meanwhile
North Korean troops managed to win the cities of Chuncheon, Pocheon and Dongducheon.
Furthermore US-General Douglas MacArthur, who was a veteran of World War I and II, was
appointed commander of the US troops and ordered air strikes on the KPA. However, the
North Korean troops were superior and moved further south wards.
MacArthur decided to blow up
the bridge across the Han River to
stop North Korean forces at the
28th of June. This was a rather
desperate action which killed
hundreds of refugees crossing the
bridge at that time and further
trapped many South Korean troops
north of the river. The KPA
arrived in the South Korean capital
at the same day which was why
the government of the Republic of
Korea fled to Daejeon. In addition
Syngman Rhee ordered the Bodo
League massacre killing over
100,000 of supporter of
communism.
North Korean expansion until the end of June 1950 (Picture 4)
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Model United Nations of Dortmund 2015, Research Report, Historical Security Council
On the 29th and 30th of June the first US air strikes were flown targeting an North Korean
air base near the capital Pyongyang and US ground troops were ordered to support the ROK
Army which decreased from 95,000 men on the 25th of June to less than 22,000 men at the
end of June.
The UN Security Council passed one more resolution on the 27th of June containing six
perambulatory clauses which are referring to Resolution 82 and repeating the call for a
ceasefire.
Timeline of events (25th June
30th June 1950)
June 25
• Korean war starts with a fire exchange at the Ongjin peninsula
• KPA crosses 38th parallel with over 100,000 troops
• UNSC Resolution 82
June 26
• KPA occupies Chuncheon, Pocheon and Dongducheon
• Evacuation starts
• ROK Army gets support from US air force
June 27
• US air strikes at North Korean troops
• North Korean troops march further south
• UNSC Resolution 83
June 28
• Bridge across the Han River is blown up by US army
• KPA occupies Seoul
• Bodo League massacre
June 29
• US air strikes target KPA air base near Pyongyang
June 30
• Truman orders US ground troops to support the ROK Army
• North Korean forces cross Han River and occupy Samcheok
Relevant treaties and UN resolutions
UNSC Resolution 82
(25th June 1950)
Favour: 9
Against: 0
Abstentions:1
Not-Voting: 11
Resolution 82 was passed immediately after the outbreak of the
war and contains actions which should be taken in order to restore
international peace and security. The Security Council calls for an
instant ceasefire and the withdraw of North Korean troops to the
38th parallel. This should be observed by the UN Commission on
Korea. Furthermore all member states are urged to support
actions taken by the UN against North Korea and refuse from
giving assistance to the authorities of the DPRK.
http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/82%281950%29c (Resolution)
http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=voting&index=.VM&term=sres82%20%281950%29
(Voting record)
UNSC Resolution 83
(27th June 1950)
Favour: 7
Against: 1
This resolution was passed after it became clear that the DPRK
would not withdraw its’ troops and the fighting continued. It
recalls Resolution 82 and emphasizes the importance to reestablish international peace and security. Therefore every
member state should cooperate with the UN. Furthermore PC 4
1
“Not-Voting” means, that countries were not present during voting procedures and therefore were not able to
show their opinion on this issue.
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Model United Nations of Dortmund 2015, Research Report, Historical Security Council
Abstentions: 0
Not-Voting: 31
states, “(…) that urgent military measures are required (…)”.2
http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/83%281950%29 (Resolution)
http://unbisnet.un.org:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=voting&index=.VM&term=sres83%20%281950%29
(Voting record)
Important key terms and key characters
Ongjin peninsula
On the 25th of June 1950 the Korean War started with fights at
the Ongjin peninsula. This location is strategically important
since the height of the mountains located on it secure a clear
look over the entire Korean peninsula. Furthermore the only
road going towards it was blocked by the 38th parallel and
therefore it was difficult to get to by the North Korean
population.
Republic of Korea Army
(ROK Army)
The ROK Army is the army of South Korea. It had great losses
at the beginning of the Korean War and therefore was support
by UN troops, from which the majority was from the US.
Weapons and soldiers were brought to South Korea to fight
against the forces of North Korea.
Korean People’s Army
(KPA)
The KPA is the army of North Korea. It was a very
conventional army heavily supported by the USSR and China.
Veterans of World War II and the Chinese Civil War trained
North Korean soldiers and also fought in the Korean War.
Furthermore tanks, weapons and aircraft were send to North
Korea. Before UN troops supported the ROK Army, the ROK
was superior and since its enemies needed time to organize
them the DPRK had a great advantage at the beginning of the
war.
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman was born in 1884 and was the 33rd President
of the US. He was elected Vice-President in 1945 but since
President Roosevelt died shortly afterwards he became
President and was re-elected in 1948. As President Truman
passed various measures against communism, for example the
Truman Doctrine, which defines the US policy towards
communism, and the Marshall Plan, which guarantees financial
aid to countries affected by World War II.
Douglas MacArthur
Douglas MacArthur was born in 1880 and is the only five-star
US General serving the US army during the Korean War. He is
a World War I and II veteran. Since 1941 he is in charge of the
US forces in the Pacific which makes him responsible for
Japan’s surrender. During the Korean War he was handed the
command of the UN troops.
Bodo League massacre
After the surrender of Japan in World War II and the division of
the Korean peninsula at the 38th parallel both parts of Korea
were influenced by the country occupying. This led to the
2
UN Security Council, Resolution 83, PC 4
http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/83%281950%29 (14/12/12)
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DPRK becoming a communistic country and the Republic of
Korea being a capitalistic one. Both newly established countries
convicted the other form of policy. South Korea opposed
communists actively and after the KPA crossed the 38th parallel
Syngman Rhee ordered the Bodo League massacre on the 28th
of June and this was carried out over the entire summer of 1950.
The numbers of people who were killed during this time are
very vague and are estimated to be between 200,000 and 1,2
million.
Inform yourself about/Take into consideration
•
Your countries relations with North and South Korea
•
Your countries policy regarding communism and capitalism
•
The involvement of your country in the conflict so far
•
Which is the better option: Two independent Koreas or a Korean Unification?
•
Which actions need to be taken to solve the conflict?
Is an intervention of UN troops necessary?
Helpful links
http://korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/cold-war-crisis-in-korea/korean-warstrategic-map.php (Overview of military actions during the Korean War)
• http://www.history.com/topics/korean-war (Overview about the reasons for the
outbreak of the war and events which happened during the war)
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/coldwar/korea_hickey_01.shtml (Summary
of the Korean War)
•
Bibliography
Internet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War (14/11/20)
http://www.history.com/topics/korean-war (14/11/20)
www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/coldwar/korea_hickey_01.shtml (14/11/20)
http://korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/armed-forces-in-korea/north-korea-china-ussr.php
(14/11/20)
http://korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/cold-war-crisis-in-korea/korean-war-strategic-map.php
(14/11/27)
http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/83%281950%29 (14/11/27)
https://crimesofcolonialism.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/death-camps-on-the-korean-peninsula/
(14/12/13)
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/322419/Korean-War/229853/Revolution-division-andpartisan-warfare-1945-50#ref782212 (14/12/13)
http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?cataId=nk03300&num=6271 (14/12/13)
Pictures
3) http://media-1.web.britannica.com/eb-media/39/151339-004-68FCF709.jpg
4) http://korean-war.commemoration.gov.au/cold-war-crisis-in-korea/korean-war-strategicmap.php
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