From 1952

Date

Activity

1 Jan 1952

One-month artillery and air bombardment of Communist positions begins.

2 Jan 1952

UN Command proposes non-forcible repatriation for prisoners of war.

8 Jan 1952

Non-forcible repatriation rejected by Communists.

11-15 Jan

Tripartite meeting of military staffs (Britain, France and US) in Washington to consider South-East Asian security. Australia and New Zealand represented by observers.

Jan - Apr 1952

Riots in UN Command prison camps on Koje Island as screening of prisoners begins.

21 Mar 1952

Organisers of Peking Conference invite Australian Committee for Peace in the Pacific to accept co-sponsorship of, and to send delegates to, preparatory conference in May.

31 Mar 1952

Australian Cabinet approves all action taken on China-warning statement between Dec 51 and Feb 52.

Date

Activity

3 Apr 1952

Second Australian battalion arrives in Korea.

28 Apr 1952

Entry into effect of Japanese Peace Treaty.

After extensive diplomatic negotiations the BCOF becomes the British Commonwealth Forces, Korea (BCFK).

29 Apr 1952

Entry into effect of ANZUS Treaty.

May-Jun 1952

Menzies visits Washington and London.

7 May 1952

Negotiations at Panmunjom deadlocked on prisoner repatriation issue.

8 May 1952

Prisoners at Koje Island camp hold Brigadier General Dodd hostage.

11 May 1952

Dodd released.

12 May 1952

Ridgway departs to succeed Eisenhower in Europe.  General Mark W Clark succeeds Ridgway.

22 May 1952

Clark requests Lieutenant General Bridgeford to provide Commonwealth troops for prison camp duties on Koje Island.

25 May 1952

Rhee declares martial law in Pusan and arrests members of the Korean National Assembly.

27 May-7 Jun 1952

Menzies has discussions with British Government leaders in London on strategic priorities and Australia's commitments.

22 Jun 1952

Acheson notifies Eden of US agreement to a British Deputy Chief of Staff for Clark's headquarters.

23-27 Jun 1952

UN Command bombs major hydroelectric plants at Suiho, Fusen, Chosin and Kyosen.

25 Jun 1952

Clark ordered to prepare a plan for UN Command intervention against Rhee.

Date

Activity

4 Jul 1952

No 78 Fighter Wing, RAAF, departs Australia aboard SS Asturius for Malta.

14 Jul 1952

Commonwealth troops cease prison camp guard duties on Koje Island.

2-10 Aug 1952

First meeting of ANZUS Council, Honolulu.

29 Aug 1952

UN Command bombs Pyongyang.

22-25 Sep 1952

ANZUS military representatives meet at Pearl Harbour.

Date

Activity

6 Oct 1952

Communists launch heavy offensive.

Five Power Conference of military planners meets in Washington to discuss South-East Asian security.  Australia and New Zealand admitted to full membership with Britain, France and the US.

7 Oct 1952

Heavy Chinese bombardment of Eighth Army.

8 Oct 1952

Armistice negotiations suspended.

14 Oct 1952

Seventh Session of UNGA.

16 Oct 1952

Communists cease their ten-day offensive.

17-18 Oct 1952

Polish and Soviet delegates repeat charges of use of germ warfare.

20 Oct 1952

Casey addresses General Assembly and refutes Polish and Soviet germ warfare allegations on the basis of the evidence provided by Sir Macfarlane Burnet.

4 Nov 1952

Eisenhower elected President of the US.

28 Nov-10 Dec 1952

Commonwealth Prime Ministers Conference, London.

2 Dec 1952

President-elect Eisenhower begins a three-day visit to Korea.

3 Dec 1952

UNGA adopts Menon proposals for release and repatriation of prisoners of war in Korea.

12 Dec 1952

Churchill discusses British membership of ANZUS with Menzies and Holland in London.

14 Dec 1952

On return from Korea, Eisenhower announces new policy of firmness in dealing with Communists.

18 Dec 1952

Acheson, Eden and Schuman discuss the establishment of a Five Power Staff Agency to plan defence of Pacific and South-East Asian region.