Memorandum of Conversation

NH592 n DC/RFin BK N DEPARTMENT OF STATE NA. for action de Memorandum of Conversation su dated su 4/16/51 memo of conv. secut. TOP SECRET DATE: April 6, 1951 SUBJECT: Possibility of Soviet Intervention or Increased Enemy Air Activity in Korea PARTICIPANTS: Mr. Colin Moodie, Counselor of the Australian Embassy FE - Mr. Merchant BNA - Mr. Shullaw Bureau of COPIES TO: S/S FAR EASTERN AFFAIRS EUR APR 6 MARK 1951 G ASSISTANT SECRETARY SP Department of State FE 1-1493 Mr. Moodie, Counselor of the Australian Embassy, called on me today and raised a number of questions which he said were prompted by Mr. Rusk's statements at the April 3 briefing regarding the possibility of Soviet intervention in Korea, the build-up of enemy air strength in the area and the possibility that in the event of large-scale enemy air attacks on the U. N. forces retaliation outside Korea might be necessary. These questions on which the Australian government would like additional information were: 1) If an air attack were made in conjunction with enemy offensive, what indication is there of its scale? 2) What are the capabilities of the Chinese Communists in the above respect apart from Soviet? 3) Is there any estimate, and if so, what of the capabilities of the Soviet air force in the area? 4) Estimated strength in Manchuria of twin engine bombers referred to by Mr. Rusk on 3rd April? Are these Soviet or Chinese? 5) How does it come about that anti - aircraft protection is lacking and what is the estimated period of time withiner which this could be remedied? Anal 1951 Mr. Moodie Rev 015620 TOP SECRET Cat CO