A major consideration was the possible Soviet reaction in the event that the US intervened. The Truman administration was fretful that a war in Korea was a diversionary assault that would escalate to a general war in Europe once the United States committed in Korea. At the same time, "[t]here was no suggestion from anyone that the United Nations or the United States could back away from [the conflict]". Yugoslavia–a possible Soviet target because of the Tito-Stalin Split—was vital to the defense of Italy and Greece, and the country was first on the list of the National Security Council's post-North Korea invasion list of "chief danger spots". Truman believed if aggression went unchecked a chain reaction would be initiated that would marginalize the United Nations and encourage Communist aggression elsewhere. The UN Security Council approved the use of force to help the South Koreans and the US immediately began using what air and naval forces that were in the area to that end. The Administration still refrained from committing on the ground because some advisers believed the North Koreans could be stopped by air and naval power alone. COUNT 5
QSN1 What was the Truman administration concerned about that was preventing them from getting involved in the Korean conflict? ANS1 Soviet reaction QSN2 What agency approved the use of force in South Korea? ANS2 The UN Security Council QSN3 Why did the US not send in ground troops after the United Nations approved the use of force? ANS3 advisers believed the North Koreans could be stopped by air and naval power QSN4 Who believed that if the issues in Korea were not dealt with the communist aggression would spread? ANS4 Truman QSN5 What resources did the US devote to South Korea after the Security Council approved engaging in an armed conflict? ANS5 air and naval forces