Letter from the Director

Dear Delegates,

My name is Ben Kang, and it is my distinct honour and privilege to serve as your Director for the Coalition Crisis Committee this year alongside your Chairs, Cher Ning and Patrick Kim. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Coalition Crisis and the inaugural meeting of the United Nations Command.

Four years ago, I first set foot in a committee room and was instantly captivated by the nuance of debate. Though I only raised my placard twice, this experience would foster in me a lasting curiosity for global affairs. Today, as a sophomore with a deep fascination in international relations, I can confidently state that Model UN has allowed me to become a more informed citizen, meet new people, and broaden my global view. Regardless of whether you are a first time delegate or a seasoned veteran, I hope this conference will prove as valuable to you as it was for me, and I encourage you to make the most out of your time in the committee.

On this year’s agenda for the Coalition Crisis, we will be following the situation in post-World War II (WWII) , beginning in 1949. As delegates from the United Nations Command (UNC), you are tasked with maintaining political stability and building democracy within in a time fraught with political tension and widespread civil unrest. With issues ranging from the mass suppression of leftists to the constant war threats made by South Korea’s leader, you will have to navigate a treacherous period in Korean history–or face all out war.

I wish you luck in your collective efforts.

Best Regards,

Ben Kang Director of Coalition Crisis – CAHSMUN 2020

1 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder Committee Description

A new committee at CAHSMUN this year, the Coalition Crisis involves a United Nations (UN) coalition partaking in a conflict. Delegates, representing countries of a UN coalition, will be required to collaborate and utilize their diplomatic skills through pressing crises and difficult conundrums. Following the standard crisis Rules of Procedure and directive system, delegates will be able to use the UN as a platform for change, to better resolve problems in times of global crisis.

Unlike typical crises, the Coalition Crisis is unique in that delegates represent members of a UN coalition. As such, all countries will have the ability to call on and utilize other historical UN platforms to aid the committee when necessary. With the topic set as Korea in 1949, delegates will have access to all UN resources which existed at that time to aid in resolving the conflict. It should be noted that these UN resources comprise historical UN bodies, so delegates will be unable to call upon other CAHSMUN committees.

This committee consists of 20 countries which were historical members of the United Nations Command (UNC). The committee will commence on September 23rd, 1949. Please make sure to analyze the events leading up to this date in order to be well prepared for the beginning of committee.

Committee Timeline

As the Coalition Crisis is a historical crisis, the committee will be operating in a parallel universe. This means that the history leading up to the start of the committee will be in line with our reality’s history; however, the events which transpire during the committee will not reflect historical events. Therefore, it is imperative that all delegates are prepared with background knowledge of the events up until 23 September 1949, in order to find better solutions to resolve the inevitable conflicts. Furthermore, referencing specific events or incidents after 23 September 1949 which have not transpired within the committee room is strictly prohibited.

To get through the course of the war, Coalition Crisis will run on a linear timeline, represented by a scaled model of committee time. The crisis timeline will be set according to a three day to two minute ratio, approximately equating one month in the crisis timeline to 20 minutes of debate. Please note that this timeline is heavily subject to change under the committee Staff’s discretion at any point, especially during important wartime events and

2 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder situations of similar nature. Additionally, delegates should note that all directives will require a processing time, which will take a specific amount of time to execute.1 Outside of military movements, which have arbitrary execution times for each delegate, the execution times for all other directives will be determined at the Dais’ discretion.

Crisis Topic: Korea, 1949 Overview

Welcome to the year 1949, and the inaugural meeting of the United Nations Command (UNC). Here, you will be at the forefront of preventing crises, averting foreign conflict, and resolving international disputes. With the end of World War II (WWII) four years prior, it is your job to prevent such an event from happening again. The establishment of the United Nations (UN) was a small step in the right direction; however, diligence and discipline must be maintained, especially at this time where global relations are still fraught with conflict.

Our focus is currently placed upon the Korean Peninsula, where in recent months, a new battle has been emerging: one between ideologies. WWII may have come to an end, but another conflict is just around the corner. With the Cold War–a fight between communism and democracy–taking shape, our world powers have placed their attention on Korea to be the next battleground in the war of ideologies.

Within the past few decades, the ascension of communism has given way to the Soviet Union’s swift rise to power. With communist forces taking hold in the Chinese Civil War and an “Iron Curtain” descending across Europe, democracies have become highly concerned with the rapid spread of communist ideology. In particular, the United States has proclaimed a global war on communism, believing that “the Soviet Union does not have to attack the United States to secure domination of the world,” according to President Harry Truman.2 Therefore, with fears persisting around the Soviet Union taking control of the entirety of the Eastern Asia, you will have to defend your countries’ democratic interests in South Korea while also preventing the development of another war.

1 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/crisistimeline 2 http://stateoftheunion.onetwothree.net/texts/19510108.html 3 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder Timeline

1392 - The Joseon dynasty was established under the rule of King Taejo. The Korean kingdom remains in power for the next five centuries.3

1592 - Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a distinguished Japanese military leader, invades Korea with a large Japanese force. The Korean forces are overrun, and the Japanese Army pushes the Korean Army back to Pyongyang. However, some naval heroics and aid from the Chinese military help in repelling the Japanese after one year.4

1627 - The Manchu, a nomadic people living in Manchuria, continually violate the borders of both Korea and Ming China.5 Despite efforts to send a military response to the Manchu, they would invade Northern Korea in 1927.

1636 - The Manchu invade Korea once again; however, this time, they are much more successful. Seoul falls and Korea surrenders to the Manchu. Korea would become a tributary state to the Qing, in exchange for paying tribute through sending large sums of silver.6

1866 - The French Empire attempts to invade Korea; however, they are only able to fortify an island before being forced to retreat. The Qing also sends troops to aid in repelling the foriegn invaders.7

1871 - The United States sends a convoy to Korea in order to establish diplomatic relations. However, Korea refuses to negotiate, and the United States winds up capturing several Korean soldiers and forts before departing for China.8

1894 - The First Sino-Japanese War begins as the Qing Dynasty and Japan fight over control of the Korean sphere of influence. Japan convincingly defeats the Qing, forcing it to formally recognize the sovereignty of Korea in the Treaty of Shimonoseki.9

3 https://www.britannica.com/place/Korea/Korea-since-c-1400 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid. 8 Ibid. 9 https://www.dancarlin.com/product/hardcore-history-62-supernova-in-the-east-i/ 4 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder 1904 - Despite Japan gaining the upper hand in the First Sino-Japanese War, Russia also has colonialistic ambitions to expand the Russian Empire, commencing the Russo-Japanese War over influence of the Korea Peninsula and Manchuria.

1905- Japan emerges victorious once again, firmly establishes a sphere of influence over Korea. The Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905 is established, and Korea formally becomes a protectorate of Japan. While there would be no invasion of Korea to extract the treaty, Japan would threaten military action in order to make Korea comply with its demands.10

1910 - Japan annexes Korea under the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty in 1910. Korea remains under Japanese rule for the next 35 years, until Japan’s surrender at the end of WWII. During this time, dissent is brutally suppressed, forced labor is implemented, and the Korean identity is gradually erased– are forced to take on Japanese names, and Korean schoolchildren are taught with the same textbooks as used in Japan.11

1945 - The end of WWII; Japan surrenders to the US, and Korea is once again recognized as an independent nation. The Soviet Union occupies Korea north of the 38th Parallel, while everything South falls under the United States’ management. A trusteeship between China, the UK, United States, and the Soviet Union is created, and a Joint-Commission between the United States and Soviet Union is established.

1947 - The Joint United States-Soviet Union Commission, negotiating the formation of a unified Korean Government, reaches a deadlock. With growing political polarization between the two regions and the Cold War ramping up, the commission is dissolved and Korea is left in divided.

1948 - The UN holds elections in South Korea, with Syngman Rhee elected as the first President of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Three weeks later, Kim Il-sung would become the first Premier of the Democractic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

10 https://www.britannica.com/place/Korea/Korea-since-c-1400 11 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2010/08/29/editorials/the-annexation-of-korea/#.XTjAI-hKjt9 5 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder Historical Analysis

Joseon Dynasty (1392 -1897) As the longest ruling dynasty in Korea, the Joseon dynasty spanned more than five decades. It lasted through the rise and fall of its neighbours, succeeding multiple times in consolidating rule over the entirety of Korea. However, over its rule, the dynasty was exposed to multiple invasions and wars, leaving its society crippled and weak. In addition, being surrounded by military superpowers meant that Joseon remained a tributary state for much of its history, in order to be better protected from foreign invaders.

In the late 16th century, the newly unified Japan launched two invasions on Korea under general Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However, the invasions were thwarted in big part due to the Ming dynasty’s sizable contributions to aid Korea on the battlefield.12 Yet, despite the successful defence, much of Korea was left in absolute ruin. Furthermore, Ming China, which had come to the aid of Korea, fell into financial ruin. As a result, the Ming’s control over their dynasty weakened, allowing a nomadic tribe in the north, called the Manchu, to overthrow them and establish the Qing.13 With this, Korea became a tributary state of the Qing.

Korea’s relationship with the Qing proved mutually beneficial for both countries, and in the following centuries the assured stability resulted in a much more prosperous Korea, until the Qing’s decline in the late 18th century. During this period of lasting peace, Korea pursued a strict isolationist policy; however, Western powers, riding high on colonialistic ambitions, tried to make contact multiple times with Korea. In 1866, the French Empire launched a largely punitive invasion on Eastern Korea, while the United States launched a diplomatic mission into Korea in 1871 which eventually had more militaristic goals.14

According to Joseon prophecies, the kingdom would end in its 500th year, in 1892.15 This prophecy was partly correct, as Korea’s lasting stability ended with the Donghak Peasant Rebellion in 1892. Consisting of six-hundred-thousand rebels, the rebellion attempted to overthrow the government. Alongside growing civil unrest, the rebellion and other similar events led into the Sino-Japanese War of 1894.16

12 https://www.britannica.com/place/Korea/Korea-since-c-1400#ref35014 13 Ibid. 14 https://www.britannica.com/place/Korea/The-introduction-of-Roman-Catholicism#ref35017 15 https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Donghak_Peasant_Revolution 16 Ibid. 6 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder Entering the war, most Western powers believed that the much larger and established Qing would find a swift victory; nonetheless, the Japanese stunned the world by crushing the Qing with casualties at a 10 to 1 ratio.17 Thus, with the Qing defeated, Korea was freed from the grasp of the Qing–albeit only temporarily. With the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, the Qing formally recognized Korea as an independent nation. Consequently, Japan would get its hand at asserting control over the war-torn and crippled Korea.18

Korean Empire (1897 - 1910) After the war, the populace rose up after years of unrest and exiled King Gojong, citing his inability to make modern reforms. Eventually, King Gojong returned and announced the establishment of the Korean Empire, ushering in the end of the Joseon dynasty after 503 years. With the Korean Empire’s establishment, a large effort was placed upon extensive reform in all aspects of the country.19 Korea, once described by Western countries as a ‘hermit kingdom’ due to its vigorous policy of isolationism, now pursued closer ties with the Western world and adopted many aspects of Western culture, from education to medicine.20

However, while modernization and westernization remained priorities for the Korean Empire, Korea was increasingly eyed as a favourable colony for many powers. Russia also grew interested in Korea, seeing it as a fortress to gain influence within the region. Once again, Korea became a focus for superpowers satisfying their imperialistic impulses. These conflicts came to a crescendo in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904, as Russia would flaunt its expansionist policy, while remained eager to defend its interests in the region.

Eventually, Japan gained the upper hand in the war and defeated the Russians. With all large regional opponents defeated by 1905, Japan streamlined its sphere of influence on Korea through the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905, which placed the Korean Empire under Imperial Japan as a protectorate.21 While Koreans were hesitant at best and outraged at worse to accept the treaty, Japan threatened military action if a decision other than “yes” was made, effectively coercing Korea into becoming a protectorate.22 Japanese troops encircled the Korean Imperial Palace to threaten the Emperor to sign the treaty.

17 https://www.dancarlin.com/product/hardcore-history-62-supernova-in-the-east-i/ 18 Ibid. 19 https://www.britannica.com/place/Korea/The-Tonghak-Uprising-and-government-reform 20 Ibid. 21 https://www.dancarlin.com/product/hardcore-history-62-supernova-in-the-east-i/ 22 Ibid. 7 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder After five years as a protectorate, Korea formally became a colony of Japan, with the Japan- Korea Annexation Treaty of 1910.

Imperial Japanese Rule (1910 - 1945) Japan, in full control of Korea in the first half of the 20th century, first made quick actions to tighten their grasp over Korea. They were well aware of their unwanted presence, and thus, quickly took over all forces of control in order to rule with an iron fist. Many Koreans became resistance fighters; nevertheless, their efforts would not be enough. In the end, a provisional Korean government was set up in China but did not garner international recognition. Thus, with Japanese colonial rule firmly established in Korea, thousands of important Korean figures as well as Korean leaders were arrested, the media was reigned in, and decades of suppression and oppression ensued.23

Economy Under Japanese colonial rule, a fierce policy of Japanization was applied on the nation. While beneficial to the colonialists, the policy was not in the best interests of the Korean people. Many Japanese merchants as well as businesspersons, propped by up grants and large loans provided by the Imperial Japanese army, immigrated to Korea in the months and years following annexation. Filling up the market, these merchants and businesspeople had large advantages over the Koreans, leaving them unable to contend. In the following two years, Korea was flooded with almost 85 000 Japanese immigrants, with an estimated two-hundred- thousand settling in total.24

With such a large influx of Japanese immigrants into Korea, many farmers, landowners and business owners soon fell victim to their Japanese counterparts, who were seemingly able to do everything better. This was in part due to the fact that the Japanese government would give them a competitive advantage. Within years, large swaths of farmland fell victim to expropriation as the Japanese government reformed land ownership laws.25 Japanese farmers were encouraged to immigrate with the promise of free farmland awaiting them in Korea. However, in truth, the Imperial Japanese government was doling out farms and land of the Korean government.26 Soon, much of Korea’s rice production was wired to Japan, and the Japanese constituted a great portion of farmers in Korea.

23 Ibid. 24 http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history/colonial_period.htm 25 https://www.jstor.org/stable/2782585?read-now=1&seq=11#page_scan_tab_contents 26 Ibid. 8 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder Korean citizens of all walks of life were affected during this period. Korean fishing grounds were open to Japanese fishermen living in Korea, however, poachers devastated the crop of legitimate fishermen. In business, an ordinance was issued, forcing Korean companies to apply for a charter at high cost. In terms of the environment, forests and oceans were nationalized, leading to deforestation and extensive erosion.27

Education After the formal annexation of Korea, maintaining a Korean identity through Japanese rule was a priority for all Korean parents. However, with Japan taking control of the educational system, serious problems emerged for the next generation of Koreans. With Korea becoming a province of Imperial Japan, control over public education, schooling, and curricula was left to the Japanese. As a result, many schools were closed in the coming years, and content was simplified in many topic areas. These actions were part of a larger Japanese plan to subjugate future Korean generations, in order to maintain Japanese intellectual dominance.

By attending a public school overseen by Japan, children were educated in a way so as to erase the resistive attitude exhibited by many Koreans. With a campaign underway to eradicate as many books as possible on Korean history and geography, over 200 000 to 300 000 books were destroyed. In the ensuing years, the Japanese government would go to great lengths to hide Korea’s true history. As a result, private schools grew popular for those who could afford it. However, within a decade, Japan also seized control of private schools, forcing many to shut down. Between 1910 and 1922, Japan began a ferocious crack down on private schools, reducing the number from 2 000 institutions to a mere 600.

Despite these setbacks, many Koreans proved resourceful and migrated to Manchuria and established schools there. To many Koreans within the resistance, a good education was vital to success in the struggle for independence.28 This idea became so widespread that by 1919 Korean schools in Manchuria numbered around 130.29

However, many others were left in much more unfortunate circumstances. Those who were unable to afford a private school often did not get an education at all. With so many schools shut down, as many as 90 percent of school-age children were denied access to education, resulting in a population of illiterates. This, of course, was all intentional in the plan to assert Japanese dominance in the region.

27 Ibid. 28 Ibid. 29 Ibid. 9 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder World War II (WWII) With Japan’s entrance into WWII and expansion into the Pacific theater, the impact of Japan’s colonial policy only strained Koreans even more. As Japan conscripted a significant portion of its male population for the war effort, labour shortages became a crucial problem in Japan. To remedy this, initially, officials were sent to Korea to conscript Koreans to work in Japan. As the war progressed and more Japanese men were shipped off to battle, the government became desperate for Korean labourers and coerced citizens into forced labour in Japan. In all, between 1939 and 1945, 670 000 Koreans were brought to work in Japan under treacherous and horrific living conditions. In the span of six years of forced labour, over 60 000 Koreans died in squalid living conditions. Furthermore, when the war began to appear to turn against Japan, Korean men were conscripted in an act of desperation on Japan’s part. With 110 000 Koreans drafted into the Imperial Japanese Army, many did not make it home after Japan’s unconditional surrender at the hands of the allies.30

Division of Korea (1945 - Current) In the Cairo Conference of 1943, the allied superpowers of the United States, United Kingdom, and China laid down the technicalities in preparation for the end of WWII. Most importantly, they came to an agreement for all land conquered by Japan to be ceded back in the case of a Japanese surrender. With the war in the Pacific turning against Japan in mid- 1945 and Nazi Germany’s surrender, the Soviet Union formally entered the war against Japan and made amphibious landings in Korea. The United States, aware of Japan’s incoming surrender, took note of the swift advance through Korea by the Red Army. They became increasingly concerned due to the Soviet presence within Korea and believed that Stalin had ambitions within the region after the war. Therefore, with fears of a Soviet presence sweeping across the peninsula, the United States drew a line through Korea at the 38th Parallel and divided the land into two postwar spheres of influence.31

Soviet Influence in With the war over, the Soviet Union quickly began to monopolize and deepen its control over North Korea, beginning with the introduction of a new currency called the “Red Army won.”32 As well, the Soviet Union took control of the administration of the country and played a large role in setting up the provisional government. In a time where most global powers advocated for the formation of a unified Korea, the Soviet Union held its own and solidified a division of Korean Peninsula. Voters were given a list of

30 https://www.jstor.org/stable/23720161?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents 31 https://www.jstor.org/stable/3022068?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents 32 https://www.nknews.org/2018/11/how-kim-il-sung-became-north--great-leader/ 10 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder candidates hand-picked by the Soviets, and in February 1946, the Provisional North Korean government was established under Kim Il-sung. In two years time, Kim’s rule was cemented as he was elected as the first Premier of North Korea. With his election, the beginning of long term territorial disputes ensued between the North and the South.33 This election also formalized the political separation of Korea as the South held its own elections. The North contended that a unified Korean would only function under the leadership of Kim Il-sung, who to the West represented a suspected communist sympathizer. Therefore, the United States was not in favour of a unified Korea under Il-sung’s rule, and resorted to holding their own elections.

United States Influence in South Korea The United States, with South Korea in its sphere of influence, landed in Korea and established the United States of America Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK). The purpose of the USAMGIK was to administer and oversee the establishment of a formal Korean government, with hopes to keep Korea a unified country. However, problems for the USAMGIK emerged within days of establishing control. Initially, the Provisional Government of South Korea, operating out of Shanghai during Korea’s occupation, attempted to reestablish control from the USAMGIK and even sent diplomats to the mainland.34 However, the newly established USAMGIK refused to meet with the provisional government.35 This action, in addition to the various reforms made by the USAMGIK, turned the South Korean populace against the United States administered government, culminating in a mass uprising. In 1946, the Daegu October Incident took place as thousands of labourers and peasants rose up against the USAMGIK. The uprising called for a complete withdrawal of American influence, and for the People’s Republic of Korea, the provisional government established by Korea, to be reestablished.36 However, in the following months, the US opened the door to UN sponsored elections, resulting in the election of Syngman Rhee, a vociferous anti- communist.

Current Situation

Civil Unrest in US-Occupied Korea Ever since Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule four years prior, Koreans have consistently pushed for reunification. However, during this time, their calls for reunification to the USAMGIK have fallen on deaf ears. This has stemmed from the USAMGIK’s Cold War

33 https://www.korea-dpr.com/founding_dprk.html 34 https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1947v06/d465 35 Ibid. 36 https://www.americanheritage.com/wrong-turns-korea# 11 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder policy, which has lacked consideration for the Korean populace.37 The policy has been limited to installing a strong democratic government and building a wall against the scourge of communism, rather than helping Korea rebuild.38 Therefore, this policy has worked counterintuitively for the USAMGIK, turning South Korea into a region fraught with conflict and political instability.

Firstly, in 1945, the USAMGIK banned the People’s Republic of Korea, a provisional government established with the support of most Koreans. Furthermore, a five-year trusteeship was implemented, largely against the will of the Korean people.39 This was met again with sharp opposition within the Korean populace, as Koreans believed it would hamper reunification efforts. Simultaneously, with the North growing increasing communist, some began to lose hope in reunification. Thus, Korea entered a period of political fragmentation, with leftists and moderates pushing reunification, and some rightists supporting an independent South Korea. Unfortunately, this precarious situation was further exacerbated by the USAMGIK’s announcement that, in July 1948, a would be held to elect the leader of South Korea.

With conflicts between rightists, moderates, and leftists compounded by a mutual hate for USAMGIK’s policies, widespread protests erupted through South Korea since the election. Even preceding the election, civil unrest was widespread within South Korea. From the September General Strike of 1946, which saw 40 000 workers strike, to the Autumn Uprising of 1946, tensions in the Korean populace are already running high.40 However, the elections have created mass civil unrest, devolving into violence and chaos. In the Jeju Uprising, which lasted until two months ago, as many as 60 000 protesters and police have been killed. With the election of the hard-line anti-communist Syngman Rhee and the exit of the USAMGIK, the country has once again become divided, as reflected in the Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion of 1948, a rebellion against the Syngman Rhee government.41

Reunification Efforts After the division, various attempts have been made to reunify Korea under one government. For a brief period of time after WWII, Korea was brought under a trusteeship. Furthermore, a Joint American-Soviet Commission was created with the goal of working towards

37 https://www.ekoreajournal.net/issue/view_pop.htm?Idx=3242 38 Ibid. 39 Ibid. 40 https://www.jstor.org/stable/2782585?read-now=1&seq=11#page_scan_tab_contents 41 https://www.jstor.org/stable/2145848?seq=4#metadata_info_tab_contents 12 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder reunification. However, this commission was obstructed by ideological differences, resulting in failed negotiations.

This commission, along with other reunification efforts, all tied back to one event making progress impossible: the Cold War. With hostilities persisting between the United States and the Soviet Union, neither country has been willing to compromise with each other. Over time, reunification efforts grew less and less constructive, coinciding with growing political polarization. Public discussion in the status quo has now turned from potential reunification to the potential of a permanent division.

The failure to make progress in reunification efforts will have deep ramifications for the entirety of Korea, as the growing ideological divide will only bring about more conflict. In recent months, large border clashes have ensued on a consistent basis, edging the region closer to conflict. Ultimately, the split in ideology will only further the mutual hostility between the two Koreas, and mitigating the growing conflict is of top priority.

The Atomic Bomb After the discovery of nuclear fission in 1938, the world was thrust into a new weapons race, to build the most powerful weapon ever seen–the atomic bomb. With the power to destroy entire cities and decimate entire populations, the nuclear bomb has the potential to be the most influential weapon in history.

In the midst of WWII, the potential of possessing such a powerful weapon was on every superpower’s mind. Soviet Union, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States all began research and production of nuclear weapons, hoping to gain the upper hand in this newfound arms race. It was the United States who emerged victorious in 1945 and established a nuclear hegemony. This would be crucial to the Western world as the nuclear bomb could ensure both safety and guaranteed victory in the case of a war. In addition, the atomic bomb could be used as a means of political leverage, to dissuade countries from creating conflict, and give the United States a position of strength in all discussions.

This nuclear advantage played heavily in favour of members of this bloc, the UNC, when the Cold War began. It would allow the United States, and by proxy, its democratic and capitalistic ideals, to always retain an upper hand militaristically. However, on August 29, 1949, around one month prior to the commencement of this committee, the Soviet Union was able to successfully detonate its first atomic bomb, ending the American hegemony. The Soviet Union, now in possession of a weapon of mass destruction, will now be able to threaten

13 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder countries and cause destruction on equal terms with the United States. However, there is no telling where this weapon may be used, or how it will affect the current situation in Korea. Likely, if a conflict does occur, greater consideration will need to be taken; the committee will have to be mindful of the Soviet Union’s nuclear option.

Initiating Crisis The coalition crisis committee will commence on September 23, 1949. At this time, outside of the problems mentioned in the Current Situation, the most pressing issues confronting the committee are rising political tensions and border clashes.

Last year, both the USAMGIK and Soviet administrators departed their respective regions, granting the South and the North full autonomy in governance. Since then, tensions between the two regions and their respective leaders have grown. Both Syngman Rhee and Kim Il-sung have constantly reiterated their intentions of unifying Korea under their own regimes, with Rhee even going as far as proclaim a “march north.”42 He and Il-sung have constantly threatened to conduct invasions into each others’ territory, adding credence to the possibility of war.43 Rhee, for one, has certainly attempted to fulfill his comments, and has initiated widespread border skirmishes on multiple occasions.44 However, in the status quo, Rhee does not have enough resources to properly initiate an invasion, nor does he have the adequate backing from the South Korean people.45

Since his rise to power, Syngman Rhee has commenced a vigorous crackdown on leftists and their ideology within South Korea, arresting and executing many of his opponents. In turn, he has gradually lost the backing of the South Korean people, further fragmenting the political landscape within his own domain. Rhee has brutally suppressed dissent in South Korea, and has effectively outlawed any form of leftist thought or action.46 Thus, Rhee is effectively trying to wage a war on two fronts–one with some of his own people, and one with the communist North.

With his hands full and South Korea preoccupied with internal affairs, Rhee’s intentions to continually wage these border clashes may eventually spell disaster for South Korea. This claim is further substantiated by last month’s border clashes at Chungmu City and Kuksa-

42 https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/1000000-people-died-during-the-korean-war-the-forgotten 43 Ibid. 44 https://www.americanheritage.com/wrong-turns-korea# 45 Ibid. 46 Ibid. 14 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder Bong Peak, the biggest border clashes seen to day.47 Significantly, this skirmish was actually initiated from the North by the Korean People’s Army (KPA), rather than from Rhee’s side. Thus, with North Korea gaining its footing, continued sparring could result in a North Korean invasion. This potential invasion could spell complete disaster for Rhee; not only is the South Korean army vastly unprepared to deal with an invasion, but South Koreans are also at odds with each other, which would make a united defence very difficult.

Military Matrix

The statistics in the matrix below represents your respective country’s military resources and capabilities, in the case of war. During the conference, if your country enters an armed conflict, these statistics will be directly applicable to a directive.

Military Size Statistics

In the chart below, Active Military Personnel refers to a country’s active military forces, which are trained and on duty at all times within the committee. Seeing as these are active soldiers, these forces typically yield much stronger results and are much more effective than reserves.

In the chart below, Reserve Military Personnel refers to a country’s reserve military forces, which are not on duty within the committee. These personnel will typically comprise new recruits and military reservists - whom are citizens that combine a military career with a civilian one. These units will be much less effective and skilled than active forces.

Military Travel Time Statistics

In order for a military force to realistically intervene in a conflict, travel time must be factored in. Travel time plays a key role in decision making, as it forces preemptive decision making and deeper consideration for strategy during wartime. When a directive mobilizing troops is sent to the dais, the baseline travel time as well as the baseline mobilization rate will be applied.

In the chart below, Baseline Travel Time refers to how long it will take for troops to travel to Korea, based on a country’s geographic location. Whenever troops are mobilized to be sent to Korea, in order to calculate the total travel time, the baseline travel time must be applied.

On top of the Baseline Travel Time, depending on the number of troops sent in one force, the Baseline Mobilization Rate must also be applied. This rate factors in the size of a force being

47 https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/18in-rgt.htm 15 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder mobilized for travel, as the more troops mobilized, the longer it will take to reach Korea. The Baseline Mobilization Rate is a measure of a country’s speed in mobilizing troops, as each country has an X amount they can mobilize per day, for travel to Korea.

The total travel time, or the amount of time it takes for a directive to process =

The baseline travel time + the baseline mobilization rate (with troop numbers being factored in).

I.e. “Thailand sends 10 000 active troops to Korea, to land along the coasts of Busan.” This directive would take the baseline travel time of Thailand (6 minutes), and factor in the number of troops mobilized (10 000), which based on the baseline mobilization rate (2500 troops per 1 min) would add four minutes of mobilization time, giving a total of 10 minutes (6 min travel + 4 min mobilization) for total travel time.

Country Active Reserve Baseline Baseline Mobilization Military Military Travel Time Rate

Personnel Personnel (Crisis Timeline/ (For every amount of troops Committee Minutes) below, 1.5 days/1 min of mobilization time is added to the baseline travel time)

South 50 000 170 000 0 days/ Only applicable to Korea 0 min reserves: 25 000

Philippines 15 000 35 000 9 days/ 2 500 6 min

New 5 000 15 000 9 days/ 2 000 Zealand 6 min

Thailand 15 000 35 000 9 days/ 2 500 6 min

India 20 000 45 000 9 days/ 2 500 6 min

Belgium 5 000 10 000 15 days/ 2 000 10 min

Netherland 7 000 12 000 18 days/ 1 750 s 12 min

16 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder Denmark 7 000 12 000 21 days/ 1 750 14 min

Norway 9 000 20 000 21 days/ 2 250 14 min

Sweden 9 000 20 000 21 days/ 2 250 14 min

Greece 10 000 25 000 18 days/ 2 500 12 min

Egypt 10 000 27 000 15 days/ 2 500 10 min

South 15 000 27 000 24 days/ 2 500 Africa 16 min

Turkey 15 000 30 000 15 days/ 2 000 10 min

Canada 20 000 40 000 15 days/ 2 500 10 min

Australia 20 000 70 000 9 days/ 4 000 6 min

France 35 000 70 000 21 days/ 5 000 14 min

Italy 30 000 40 000 18 days/ 5 000 12 min

United 40 000 80 000 24 days/ 5 000 Kingdom 16 min

United 90 000 225 000 15 days/ 7 500 States 10 min

17 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder UN Resources

As mentioned above, the Coalition Crisis Committee is unique in that delegates can utilize UN resources and bodies to aid in the committee’s efforts. Below is a list of UN resources/bodies which the committee can call in for aid at any point in the conference. To do so, a public directive must be sent to the Dais, stating the UN body and the purpose/objectives that said body will accomplish. With Dais approval, the directive will then be put up for vote as is procedure with any directive, passing with a simple majority.

United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) - Mobilization Time: 30 Days First deployed in Israel and Palestine two years prior, the UNTSO consists of a group of military observers, whom “monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, and prevent isolated conflicts from escalating.”48 As well, most UNTSO missions consist of a small unit of peacekeepers, in order to ensure the safety of the entire unit.49 This organization will be particularly useful if the committee wants to get on peaceful terms with North Korea before a potential war, although it would also be effective if the committee does indeed sue for peace in the case of a conflict.

United Nations Mediation Support Unit (UNMSU) - Mobilization Time: 30 Days Typically deployed alongside a UNTSO unit, the UNMSU aims to provide direct support for an ally in all kinds of negotiations, through the deployment of a mediator. From managing ultimatums, to facilitating direct communication with enemies, the UNMSU will be of immense help in most negotiations with hostile parties. As a neutral third party, many governments may feel more comfortable negotiating through UNMSU.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - Response Time: Based on Urgency of the Situation The most powerful United Nations body, the UNSC is the only UN organ allowed to issue legally binding resolutions. Charged with preserving international peace and security, the UNSC is the most powerful voice that the committee can turn to.50 From the ability to authorize military force, to the power to impose economic sanctions, the UNSC has the means

48 https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/untso 49 https://untso.unmissions.org/background 50 https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ 18 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder to change the landscape of any conflict.51 In the past, the UNSC has been successful in forcing the Soviet Union to withdraw from Iran, and was even the one to authorize the creation of this committee itself, the United Nations Command.

The UNSC is composed of five permanent members who possess veto power in voting – the United Kingdom, United States, France, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the Soviet Union – along with six rotating members, currently Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Norway, and Yugoslavia. Recently, however, the Soviet Union has been boycotting UNSC meetings due to the ascendance of Taiwan as veto-holder rather than the communist People’s Republic of China. As a result, with the United States’ most bitter rival on leave, passing resolutions in favour of the West have been particularly easy–something this committee may want to capitalize on.52

51 https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/functions-and-powers 52 https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soviets-boycott-united-nations-security-council 19 CAHSMUN CCC Backgrounder Works Cited

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