An account of U.S. interests in Korea during World War II; the growing influence of the Big Three conferences on the future of Korea and the connection between the 1945 Russian participation in the Pacific War and the evolution of the 38th parallel in GO#1. Workings of the Army strategic planning staff in sufficient detail to explain the role of the military in the high level deliberations that preceded acceptance of the Japanese surrender and foreshadow deep-seated politico-military consequences for the United States and Korea.

Manuscript written by Dr. Paul C. McGrath.