846 Chapter 6
number of Communist infiltrators being reported moving deeper into South Korea
during this time. In the summer, both sides made threats of force against the other,
and, in September 1955, President Rhee of South Korea alerted the nation to be pre-
pared to defend itself after learning of a Communist arms buildup. In January 1956,
the South Koreans began their own arms buildup and asked the United States to sup-
ply them with nuclear weapons. Through the spring and summer, there were numerous
reports of hostile language and threats of force between the two sides. Troop clashes
were reported in November 1956, and the Communists accused South Korea of plan-
ning for an invasion. North Korea was also reported to have increased its arms supply
from the Soviet Union during this period.
Coding changes: Dropped from the dispute: 713 Taiwan. Start Date changed from
January 13, 1954.
MID#2187
Dispute Number: 2187
Date(s): February 16, 1958 to September 18, 1961
Participants: 731 North Korea/2 United States of America, 732 South Korea
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 26–100 deaths
Narrative: In February 1958, North Korean Communist agents hijacked a South Korean
commercial airliner and forced it to land in North Korean territory. The government held
the plane and its passengers hostage for two weeks before handing the passengers over
to South Korea, while retaining the aircraft. Observers suggested that North Korea did
this in an attempt to force South Korea and the United States to recognize the legitimacy
of the North Korean state and its demand that the United States withdraw troops from
South Korea in conjunction with China’s withdrawal from North Korea. The hijackers
were given medals and cash by the North Korean government in reward for their service.
Around the same date that the passengers were released, on March 7, 1958, North
Korea downed an American jet it said had violated demilitarized airspace. The pilot
was released a little over a week after being shot down. North Korea continued to retain
the hijacked commercial plane and would only consider its return if it could negotiate
with South Korea. Since South Korea did not recognize North Korea’s legitimacy, the
negotiations did not take place. Sporadic incidents followed, many targeting both United
States and South Korea, through September 1961.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from March 7, 1958. End Date changed from
October 17, 1961.
MID#1379
Dispute Number: 1379
Date(s): June 1, 1962 to September 19, 1971
Participants: 2 United States of America, 732 South Korea/731 North Korea
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 251–500 deaths
Narrative: This dispute began on August 9, 1964, when South Korea put its troops
on alert in anticipation of an attack from the North, taking advantage of American