257. Memorandum From Harold H. Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to President Kennedy 0

SUBJECT

  • Japanese Assistance to South Korea1

The Japanese government has given no assistance to South Korea since the end of World War II. The governments still have not established normal [Page 558] diplomatic relations, although a Korean mission in Tokyo remains from US occupation days. A few private business deals may bring some Japanese investment to Korea soon, but amounts will be negligible until normal relations are established.

Trade has been small ($22.8 million to Japan, $123.8 million to Korea in 1961). Although the above amounts to over half of Korea’s puny exports, the balance has heavily favored Japan. A desire for Japanese development assistance is the chief reason why General Pak wants a settlement with Japan.

It is also why we feel the success of the present round of Jap-ROK negotiations is so important, and have suggested to you an NSAM asking State to consider what we can do to bring the two together. It won’t be easy to talk the Japanese into assuming their share of the burden in aiding the underdeveloped world—except where they see profit. But history and geography make Jap-ROK cooperation essential, if we can just break through the emotionalism and animosity dating from 35 years of Japanese rule in South Korea.

Harold H. Saunders 2
  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Japan. Secret. A note, on the source text indicates that the memorandum was pouched to Palm Beach, Florida, on April 26 for the President.
  2. According to an April 23 memorandum from the President’s secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, to McGeorge Bundy, President Kennedy wanted “an up to date report on the assistance Japan is giving to South Korea.” Bundy wrote the following note on the memorandum, “Mr. Komer, have we responded adequately? MB.” (Ibid.)
  3. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.