Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXII, Northeast Asia

273. Memorandum From Robert W. Komer of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)⁰

Washington, August 17, 1962.

McGB—

Sam Berger’s return¹ offers a chance not to be missed of giving him our current thinking about ROK force and MAP cut-backs. This account costs a cool half billion a year in all forms of aid; as such, it deserves a long hard look because many of us can think of better ways to spend the last hundred million of this dough.

My sense is that DOD, State, and AID are moving toward some form of force and MAP cut. But this is such a longstanding, contentious issue, and vested interests are so firmly entrenched, that few are willing to bite the bullet. Moreover, I’m sure Berger will argue that current political uncertainty in Korea militates against upsetting ROK Army. He’d like at least to get rid of Kim Chong-pil first. However, my sense is that if we can offset force and MAP cut with promises of increased support for Korean development, Pak regime might snap at this option, because its political future depends largely on domestic record it makes.

I’d urge that you personally, along with Dave Bell, Carl, Ken Hansen, and Mike have a private session with Berger in order to get across that there is real desire in WH to do something about ROK problem. This might also provide occasion to lay out to Berger importance JFK personally attaches to quick ROK/Jap settlement (NSAM 151).² Wish I were here for this one.³

Bob K.

0. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Korea, General, 8/62-3/63. Secret. Copies were sent to David Bell, Kaysen, Hansen, and Forrestal.
1. Berger returned to Washington for consultations on August 19.
2. Document 256.
3. Komer handwrote the following note at the end of this memorandum: “I’d also think it well worthwhile for President to spend half hour with Berger, after being filled in.” Bundy wrote the following note on the top of the memorandum: “This is no fortnight for a climax on this one.” President Kennedy’s Appointment Book has no record of a meeting with Berger. (Kennedy Library)