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The saying that "generals fight the last war" was quite popular at this time, so it is ironic that the Korean War itself is a good illustration of it. The otherwise forgotten war is remembered for several episodes.

The saying that "generals fight the last war" was quite popular at this time, so it is ironic that the Korean War itself is a good illustration of it. The otherwise forgotten war is remembered for several episodes.

===Crossing the 38th===

=== Crossing the 38th parallel ===

One of the best-remembered episodes of the war is President Harry Truman's decision to cross the 38th parallel in October 1950. Truman made this decision in secret on September 11, 1950 on the advise of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, just before the Inchon landing. The staff of the National Security Council advised against it.<ref>Stueck, William W, "[https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/asia-and-africa/korean-history/korean-war Korean War]," ''Dictionary of American History''.</ref>

One of the best-remembered episodes of the war is President Harry Truman's decision to cross the 38th parallel in October 1950. Truman made this decision in secret on September 11, 1950 on the advise of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, just before the Inchon landing. The staff of the National Security Council advised against it.<ref>Stueck, William W, "[https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/asia-and-africa/korean-history/korean-war Korean War]," ''Dictionary of American History''.</ref>

In a much discussed episode, Chinese Premier [[Zhou Enlai]] woke Indian Ambassador K.M. Panikkar so they could have tea together in wee hours of October 3. Zhou told Panikkar that China would intervene if American forces crossed 38th parallel. The South Korean forces that had already crossed were acceptable to China, he added.<ref name="Chang"/>

In a much discussed episode, Chinese Premier [[Zhou Enlai]] woke Indian Ambassador K.M. Panikkar so they could have tea together in wee hours of October 3. Zhou told Panikkar that China would intervene if American forces crossed 38th parallel. The South Korean forces that had already crossed were acceptable to China, he added.<ref name="Chang"/>

The Zhou-Panikkar meeting is generally remembered as a example of American hubris, with Zhou's "warnings" airily brushed aside by arrogant American leaders. That may be valid as far as it goes. But the episode also led to misunderstanding concerning China's motives. The decision to intervene was triggered by Stalin's request. Mao had unveiled his plans to the Politburo on October 2, the following day. His was the only vote that mattered in Beijing. That is to say, Zhou knew that a Chinese the invasion of Korea was a done deal when he met Panikkar.

The Zhou-Panikkar meeting is generally remembered as a example of American hubris, with Zhou's "warnings" airily brushed aside by arrogant American leaders. That may be valid as far as it goes. But the episode also led to misunderstanding concerning China's motives. The decision to intervene was triggered by Stalin's request. Mao had unveiled his plans to the Politburo on October 2, the following day. His was the only vote that mattered in Beijing. That is to say, Zhou already knew that a Chinese invasion was a done deal when he met Panikkar.

When Stalin reneged on a promise of air support, he followed up with a bullying telegram to Mao on October 5 to ensure that Mao would still invade Korea. The UN General Assembly voted on October 7 and American forces crossed the parallel later that day.<ref name="Chang"/>

When Stalin reneged on a promise of air support, he followed up with a bullying telegram to Mao on October 5 to ensure that Mao would still invade Korea. The UN General Assembly voted on October 7 and American forces crossed the parallel later that day.<ref name="Chang"/>