Chun’s Party Meets; Korea Security Tight

Tens of thousands of riot police were deployed nationwide today as President Chun Doo Hwan’s ruling party opened a convention to nominate his chosen successor.

Hundreds of people were arrested during the day, bringing to more than 3,000 the number rounded up over the last two days as part of the normal strategy of South Korean police to curtail street demonstrations.

Anti-government activists had called for massive, nationwide protests against the convention of the Democratic Justice Party. They are demanding that Chun step down to clear the way for immediate, direct, democratic elections.

The U.S. Embassy warned the large American community in South Korea to observe caution today and stay out of central Seoul, where the main protests were expected. America has about 40,000 troops in South Korea.

On Tuesday, riot police used armored cars and tear gas to break up protests at colleges in Seoul. They battled thousands of students who hurled fire bombs and rocks and shouted, “Down with the military dictatorship!”

Peaceful demonstrations were reported at about 35 universities nationwide.

The Democratic Justice Party was set to name as its presidential candidate party chairman Roh Tae Woo, Chun’s close friend who has held a series of key government posts since Chun became president in August, 1980.

About 12,000 delegates greeted Roh with thunderous applause at the beginning of the convention.

The nomination of Roh, recommended by Chun last week, virtually assures his election late this year because the major opposition party says it will boycott the election.

20,000 Police Deployed

Officials, vowing to crush any attempts to spoil the convention and incite “social confusion,” deployed more than 20,000 riot police in Seoul and tens of thousands in 19 other major cities.

Police commanders, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Tuesday that more than 2,000 people were rounded up in overnight sweeps and raids on campuses and opposition offices.

Hundreds of other people were detained in daylight raids and street checks. At least 140 opposition leaders were put under house arrest.

Opposition leaders said they will try to march later today on the Anglican cathedral in the center of Seoul. Police said 12,000 riot police will surround the cathedral, with tens of thousands more on guard elsewhere in the capital.

Korean newspapers said about 15 opposition leaders reached the cathedral despite a police cordon and waited there for the demonstrations. Police normally do not enter churches.

Police officials said special precautions were taken to prevent attacks on government buildings.

Heavy security was observed around the U.S. Embassy, with dozens of police standing guard. Opponents of Chun have frequently demonstrated against the United States, claiming that support from Washington has helped keep the president in power.

Roh is expected to succeed the president when Chun’s seven-year term ends in February. Political foes say they will not accept the transfer of power to Roh and seven more years of Democratic Justice Party rule.

Roh is expected to have little trouble winning presidential elections at the end of the year. The opposition demands a direct vote to replace the electoral college system it says favors the government, but Chun refuses to revise the election system.

On April 13, Chun suspended talks on political reform until after the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Kim Young Sam, leader of the Reunification Democratic Party, has said the opposition would have to try to topple the government if it goes ahead with the plans to install Roh.