The Outlook in Korea
It seems probable that the Korean mice talks may shortly be resumed, though contacts between the liaison officers of the opposing armies at Panmunjom have not yet gone beyond pre- liminary discussions on procedure. Since the Kaesong negotia- tions were broken off the Eighth Army, not without cost, has made substantial territorial gains and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy ; in these operations the British Commonwealth Division has taken a leading part. The Communists are thus worse off than they were when the talks started at Kaesong several months ago, but this is not, of course, a fact which they will be prepared to admit: The approach of winter will, how- ever, have strengthened their need for a cease-fire, and their delegates, when (and if) they reassemble round the conference table, may prove less huffy and exigent than they were last time. Meanwhile there is all too little reason to discount reports that the large British contingent in Korea feels neglected and for- gotten. Comforts, recreational facilities and even—despite the lesson learnt last year—winter clothing are all criticised as inadequate ; and a review of the conditions of service in Korea would seem to be one of the first tasks confronting the next Minister for War, whoever he may be.
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