Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XIX, Part 1, Korea, 1969–1972

31. Telegram From Secretary of State Rogers to the Department of State¹

Taipei, August 1, 1969 1201Z.

Secto 37/2923. Subject: The Secretary’s Meeting with FonMin Choi July 31, 1969.²

1. Summary. FonMin Choi monopolized meeting with Secretary to set forth familiar ROK views on North Korean threat, need for US assistance and restatement of US commitment. The Secretary pointed out that his own visit and presence 55,000 US troops should remove any ROK fears and North Korean illusions.

2. Secretary Rogers paid 40-minute call on FonMin Choi Kyu-hah, accompanied by Ambassadors Porter and Pedersen, Assistant Secretary Green, Messrs. McCloskey, Wilson and Duemling. Also present on Korean side were Vice FonMin Chin Pil-shik, Vice Speaker National Assembly Chang Kyung-sun, General Mun Hyong-tao, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, MFA Director of American and European Affairs Yoon Ha-jong and MFA Director International Relations Bureau Kim In-kwon. FonMin raised following subjects:

3. Park Visit to US. Choi indicated President Park looking forward to conversations with President Nixon in US around August 20. In response to question on venue, Secretary noted San Clemente is out of way and offers very limited accommodations. Mr. Green said President Nixon has some thoughts on venue and programs which he is discussing with Chief of Protocol Mosbacher, who in turn will be in touch with Ambassador Kim immediately after returning to Washington from current trip.

4. Security in Korean Peninsula. Choi reviewed the security situation in Korean Peninsula, specifically referring to recent incidents provoked by North Koreans on island off west coast and DMZ. He noted that while North Korea had once preached reunification by peaceful means, it now advocates “liberating South Korea by force.” Since 1968 infiltration attempts had increased and there have been such incidents as the Blue House raid, Pueblo, the east coast landing in November 1968, shooting down of EC–121, etc. Choi reviewed steps being taken to meet North Korean threat, including strengthening of homeland reserve force. He also mentioned joint efforts with US, including jet fighter deliveries and talks on production of M–16’s. He stressed that such preventative measures were essential to forestall all-out aggression from the North Koreans and that President Park planned to make this point to President Nixon. In reply, Secretary indicated we are sympathetic, recognize Korean needs particularly to counter infiltration by sea, and will continue to be as helpful as we can.

5. Economic Assistance. Choi said Korea shoulders a two-fold burden in surviving as a free nation, strengthening its defense capability but also strengthening its economy. Koreans are working hard at economic development, to which aid and PL–480 had made a most effective contribution. He also related economic strength to Korea’s position as bulwark against communism.

6. Korean Issue in UN. Choi indicated this issue would be left to discussions between Ambassador Pedersen and Vice FonMin Choi.

7. Vietnam. Choi indicated that President Park would wish to discuss Vietnam in detail. He only mentioned in passing Korea’s desire to assist its friends and allies.

8. Responding to various points made by Choi, Secretary noted that US is very sympathetic to Korean point of view. Moreover, US Congress takes a very favorable attitude. Therefore, Korea had no grounds for fear that US interest or support is waning. Nevertheless, we must recognize public and Congressional feeling that US is somewhat over-extended abroad to the detriment of domestic needs. This attitude is derived in large part from the Vietnam situation. As a result US may not be able to do everything that Korea would like, but Korea remains at the top of list and Secretary’s visit underscores our support. Secretary added that he would have further chance to discuss these issues with Choi during Park visit and at UNGA.

9. Choi responded with appreciation for Secretary’s reassurances, but said it was essential for USG publicly to express readiness and determination to assist Korea if attacked. The Secretary responded that 55,000 US troops in Korea should leave no doubt as to our commitment and intentions. However, he agreed on usefulness of reiterating commitments from time to time. Meanwhile, it was important for Korea to continue steps being taken to counter infiltration.

10. At end of meeting, Choi handed Secretary two memoranda,³ one covering threat from North Korea and other setting forth Korean views on 9 subjects—most of which covered in discussion. Choi mentioned but had no time to discuss problems of North Korean diplomatic offensive abroad, Okinawa, regional cooperation, and proposal for joint US-Korean cabinet meetings. Re Okinawa Green indicated that both we and Japanese Government appreciate public restraint which Korean Government has shown on issue.

11. Memoranda given to Secretary have been passed to Embassy for appropriate action, with copies retained for Department.

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Agency Files, Box 280, Dept. of State, 6/11/69, Vol. III. Confidential. Repeated to Seoul.
2. Rogers met with President Park and senior Korean officials in Seoul, July 31–August 1. He traveled to Taipei and met with President Chiang and senior Chinese Nationalist officials, August 1–3. For a transcript of Rogers’s news conference held after he had reported to Nixon concerning the trip, see Department of State Bulletin, September 1, 1969, pp. 177–178.
3. Not found.