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October 12, 1979

Cable the British Defense Attache in Seoul, 'Suspected North Korean Tunnel'

This document was made possible with support from Kyungnam University

[…]

120155Z Oct

From Commcen HSP

To MODUK

 

Confidential

SIC U2A

GR150

From Britdefat Seoul

For Bailey D14

Info FCO (FED)

 

Suspected North Korean tunnel. Connect my 060730Z Sep.

 

First. Counter tunnel has now reached all six boreholes and cavities have proved to be natural rock formations. Counter tunneling activities have now ceased.

 

Second. South Koreans remain convinced there is a North Korean tunnel in the area and intend to sink further bore holes using a new high speed drilling rig. Americans appear sceptical.

 

Third. Comment. South Koreans probably trying to save face after premature abortive leak to Washington Post. Equally they want to try out the new drilling rig and I suspect have no other potential tunnel sites.

 

Bates

BT

 

A British defense attache report on the discovery of North Korean tunnels in South Korea.


Document Information

Source

FCO 21/1763, “Relations between North and South Korea,” The National Archives, Kew. Contributed by Eliza Gheorghe and transcribed by Charles Kraus.

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Original Uploaded Date

2013-06-27

Language

Record ID

117242

Donors

Kyungnam University