Dear List:
As has been stated, some
Japanese small arms were captured during the Korean War. The US Army took over a
former Japanese Army arsenal [Tokyo Ordnance Depot] & used the existing
facilities to repair/rebuild US equipment. The S. Korean police force needed
weapons, so it was decided to re-chamber quantities of Japanese Type 38 8mm
Carbines to US Cal. 30. However, the SKs refused to use the weapons until the
Japanese Imperial Chrysanthemum symbol was ground off the receiver. I have no
info on the quantities involved, but samples were recovered from enemy forces.
Best regards, jb
former Japanese Army arsenal, in
the outskirts of Tokyo
