for. this is korea a nation divided

at the end of world war two at the 38th parallel in north korea, the soviet union lost no time in setting up a communist puppet government in the south. the united states and the united nations strove to establish an independent, democratic republic two years ago at seoul capital of korea, a united nations commission supervised free elections south of the 38th parallel and the republic of korea, a sovereign, democratic nation, was born. its president was syngman rhee. in may 1950. the citizens of this young republic went to the polls again to exercise their democratic rights, to choose their government under their democratic constitution, even as the citizens of the korean republic voted in pre elections, the north korean communist leaders were boasting of their intention to unify the country by force force. and this was their target,

apparently a mountainous peninsula. and the 20 million peace loving citizens of the republic of korea. the attack by the north korean communists came suddenly and without warning, the heroic republican army faced by a superior forces with all the advantages of deception and surprise, rallying to the defense of the republic, improvising quickly to meet the unprovoked aggression. korean republic troops were thrown against the invaders south of the 38th, parallel against a prepared armed with modern tanks, planes and guns. the republican troops were ill equipped to meet the onslaught. back in the united states and. emergency session of the united nations security council is called ambassador chang of the republic of korea.

here is secretary general craig polizei. the present situation is a serious one and it's a threat to international peace. the security council is. mr. president, in my opinion, the competent organ to deal with it. i considered the clear duty of the security council to take steps necessary to reestablish peace in that area. a vote on united states demand that the north koreans halt their aggression is carried nine to nothing with the soviet union absent back in korea, the saddest victim of the treacherous aggression by the communist north korean puppets are women and children. this is not new. these tragic can bewildered refugees are always the first fruit of wanton aggression.

meanwhile, at the united nations, the security council, with the soviets still absent calls upon all its members by military aid by the korean republic, the united states delegate speaks. this is the first time that enforcement action has been taken by the united nations. this action recommends that the members of the united nations, any such assistance to the republic of korea as may be necessary to repel the armed attack and to restore international peace and security the security council. a vote 7 to 1 to recommend military support by the republic of korea. in tokyo, the united states moves swiftly to translate into action. the united nations call to against the aggressor. american occupation troops in japan are hurrying to the

defense of the korean republic. back in the united states, b-29 bombers are taken out of mothballs into which they were reportedly end of world war two and. elsewhere, the united states navy planes are taken from storage, where they also have been since the end of world war two. caught by surprise, the united states nonetheless made all possible haste to carry out the united nations, call for action against aggression. units of the famous first united states marine division. and so the united nations call to arms amphibious vehicles go aboard a seagoing drydock, which will transport them to the combat zone. other nations volunteer or their

help canada and is the security council appeal with three destroyers. you british columbia to join the united nations forces across the united states. young men from every walk of life hurry to enlist in the army, the navy and the air force. an answer to the united nations appeal. as recruiting centers report heavy enlistment in washington. president truman addresses a meeting of the reserve officers association. gentlemen, wait, we face you. serious situation. we hope we face it in the cause of peace. the only reason for the action which was taken on the advice of all the brains that i could muster, was hoping always hoping that we would which

anticipated when we created the united nations. that's the only reason for the action. thank you very much. and again, at lake success, the security council meets to provide for a unified command. the president of the council, the korean delegate, to take a seat at the council table, the republic of how to take its place at the table. great britain's delegate speaks on the resolution after discussions with many delegations from the french government and his majesty's government. i've circulated the draft resolution that is before we know the council about seven to nothing for a unified command and asks the united states to designate a commander the united states delegate replies the united states, i accept the

responsibility. and makes the sacrifice, but is involved in carrying out the these principles of the united nations. ambassador chang of the korean republic expresses his to the council. i wish to express the deepest feelin government for this process across the pacific, general macarthur applies to korea to inspect the united nations defenses. now under his command. the first united states troops, although outnumbered and outgunned, are rush to rail hand on the frontline. yanks and korean republican troops shake hands. fighters both in the united nations army against aggression. like the man united states, guns

and trucks are committed piecemeal or even minutes. our precious. the aim of these first units is to delay the communist advance in a desperate fight for time. time for more men and guns to arrive. in tokyo. general macarthur accepts the first united nations battle flag to signify to all men the unity of free and independent nations doing battle for the freedom of the republic of korea, for the freedom of peace loving peoples

everywhere. good evening, everybody. i'm betsy fischer martin, the executive director of the women in politics institu