According to Truman, why were the Republic of Korea/South Korean troops stationed at the border region near the 38th parallel? Was Truman sending U. S. troops "unilaterally," or did he intend to be part of a larger UN force that, in the end, only included troops from U. S. and Britain? Explain the reasons behind your answer.

Find out what "Formosa" refers to in Truman's speech. What important background about the relations between China and the U. S. does this information reveal?

Do you think that the U. S. occupation of the Philippines following the end of the Spanish-American War led to UN forces being sent to Korea?