The Attack and the U.S. Decision to Intervene

Acheson, Dean G. “Crisis in Asia-An Examination of U.S. Policy.”430. U.S. Department of State Bulletin 22:511 (January 23, 1950): 111-118.

Complete text of Secretary of State Acheson’s controversial January 12, 1950 speech to the National Press Club in Washington. It was this speech that the Secretary’s critics claim was a major factor in the coming of the Korean War because it did not make clear that the U.S. would defend Korea in case of aggression. Although he did not include South Korea in the defensive perimeter, he did imply that assistance, if needed, would be provided.