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CHRISTIAN FRIENDS OF HOR2SA
Columbian Building
Washington, D* C*
Bulletin No* t February 12, 1943
To all Christian Friends of Korea, missionary or non«*mlssionaryj in fact,
to all Interested in the welfare of the Kbrtan people and the defeat of Japan***
Dear Friendst
Uly first  letter, addressed ohiefly to missionaries, brought replies from
nearly all who received it, «• all favorable*  It is evident that all who know
Koroa before Japan took her ovor and 9lnee, doeirfe to see her set free to
fulfill hor own special destiny in the bravo, ne# world that is to be*
Japan used Korea as the first stepping-stone toward tho domination of Asia
preliminary to her avowed determination to make herself mistress of the whole
world* It is but just and right, thoreforo* that in order to prevent the
success of hor ambitious project/ hor first victim should bo set froo*
Though th© first oiroular* was especially addressed to former missionaries
in Koroa by ono who himsolf sorvod Koroa for almost forty*threo years, it was
not intondod to rostriot to missiona;rlo8 tho priviloge of joining this move*
ment* Wo extend it to all Christian people who are Interested in Korea as one'
of tho old nations whioh havo contributed largely to the advaneement of oivili-
nation* This was truo of Korea oxcopt whon temporarily undor tho control of
Japan*
When Japan took possession of Korea in 1910 she sought oontrol of missionary
aotivitlos and limited tho development of Christianity, except as it oould be
harmonized with the tenets of the Shinto faith* From 1910 until tho particlpa-
tion of Japan in World War II this policy was enforced with ever growing
stringency until new the freedom of religious faith, as guaranteed in the
treaties botwoen Japan and the Amerioan and European nations, is no longer per-
mlttod but all must conform to a sot of dootrines prescribed by the  Japanese
Government* rt remains for the Allied Nations, therefore, to break Japan's
hold on Koroa and guarantee its Independence so that true religious freedom can
again become the birthright of every oitison of tho country*
If this can be done, Korea will, by*its very location in Asia and by the
very nature of its people, become, as it was rapidly beooming before its seizure
by J apan, a leader In Chrlstiah brotherhood and in development of the best
attributes of the Orient to the family of nations*
Now is tho tine for all Christian people and all who believe in religious
freedom, especially in the U* S* A* and Canada, to unite In this movement for
Korean Independonce by impressing on the governments of their countries, by all
available mothods, the necessity for immediate aotlon along these lines so that
the 23,000,000 Koreans can holp win the war*
Please look at Koreans looation «. its geographical relation to all the
countries around it, especially Japan •» and you will roaliso its importance as a
base for the most effective attack on Japan cannot be over-estimated* The
United Nations, especially the U* S* A#i wi]L 1 be wur«*wise if they realise 'this
and take immediate aotlon to deolare the independence of Korea, arm the millions
of Koreans who stand ready to fight for their country as Is shown by the
thirtyntfive thousand Koroans who are now fighting shoulder to shoulder with the
Chlaese armies* There are several excellent air*fields now in JCorea that can
be used effectively as bases*
We therefore welcome the collaboration of all lovers of true freedom to join
us in this great work* Inability to give financial help for the carrying on of
this effort need be no bar to sending in your name and address and asking to be
enrolled on our roster* If# however, you can and wish to give, any contribution
you may send in (from $1*00 up) will be gratefully received and put to good use*
Thus far, contributions have been sent in from $1*00 to $500*00, but the expense
is considerable and we oount on further practical holp*
"The Christian Priond* of Korea" is organised as a "legal person*" Its
Exeoutive Committee is composed as follows•
(*) Enclosed
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