Seoul's Foreign Ministry released documents that Russian President Boris Yeltsin had given President Kim Young-sam during a visit to Moscow in June. They showed that Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung approved Kim's attack on South Korea in June 1950.
Three months later, when Kim asked Stalin for troop support from the Soviet Union, China and other Communist nations, the Soviet dictator told him, "Ask China."
Chou En-lai, then China's prime minister and foreign minister, favored rejecting the request. But the documents show that he was overruled, according to Seoul's Foreign Ministry. Chinese troops entered the war in late October 1950.
The release, in summary form, of 216 Korean War-related Soviet government records -- along with the full texts of what were called "four key documents" -- appeared to be timed to counteract moves among a small minority of South Koreans to pay tribute to Kim Il-sung as a nationalist.
Their disclosure, which officials here conceded would upset North Korea, also underscored earlier indications that the Seoul government is not interested in quickly rescheduling a first-ever North-South summit that Kim Young-sam and Kim Il-sung had agreed upon before the North Korean leader's death.
Meanwhile, South Korean officials were surprised that Kim Jong-il, who has never delivered a speech, again remained silent during the 75-minute memorial ceremony that appeared to be designed to consolidate support for him as the successor of his father.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.