Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIX, Part 1, Korea

150. Telegram From the Embassy in Korea to the Department of State¹

Seoul, February 3, 1968, 0245Z.

3901. Ref: State 106085.²

1. Principal item discussed by President Park during my call on him (at his request) yesterday evening was along lines previously conveyed to you, i.e. their pessimistic view of likelihood that they, and perhaps U.S. as well, will get no satisfaction from North Koreans. This time, however, something new was added: He said that if ROKG does not get guarantee that NKs will desist from their aggressive activities, and there is another incident, ROKG will take retaliatory measures.

2. Park said he knew that the Communist side is hoping to bring about a split between US–ROKG cooperation, and that uncoordinated measures would make American Congress and people unhappy, but basic fact of matter is that unless and until North Koreans are hit sharply they will continue to create disturbed conditions and kill his people.

3. I said he knows my government is taking many steps to strengthen the position here. Whatever circumstances may prevail, and regardless of very real provocation to which ROKG has been and may yet be subjected, we are counting on full and complete consultation with him and his government prior to any action they might be considering. This was what we had been careful to do with them in the present crisis and we expect no less from them. The seriousness of uncoordinated action lay in fact that it would undermine mutual confidence and its bad effects could outlast that of any particular incident. (President Johnson’s statement on Park to press yesterday just received. It is most useful at this point and is being taken to Park immediately.)³

4. Park said he did not mean to impart doubt of his closest ally in any way, but he does have worries as to the position ROKG will be in, particularly if Pueblo and crew returned and North Koreans continue their raids on the South. I reminded him of statement I had made to him (which was based on para six of reftel), NKs will clearly understand that Pueblo and crew are not end of problem and that we will remain equally concerned about gravity of armistice violations. I said I hoped his army had been instructed to avoid incidents along DMZ. He said that army has strict instructions in that sense and that we have his assurance that there will be no ROK unilateral action in present circumstances. The remarks he had just made apply to the future position, I said I had made our position as clear as I possibly could.

5. Comment: This exchange was very firm, but without heat. He was telling me and I was telling him. His remarks reflect hard line of many of his ministers, party elements and the generals. We are the counterweight to the type of pressure they are exerting. I expect our views will continue to prevail unless there is another severe raid though there is always danger that ROK unit will make unauthorized thrust across DMZ. There may be a certain amount of bad humor and discontent here later, but that should pass as we implement MAP and other programs already under way.

Porter

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 33–6 KOR N–US. Secret; Immediate;Nodis; Cactus.
2. Document 237.
3. These comments were made during a news conference on February 2. (Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon B. Johnson, 1968–69, Book I, pp. 155–163.)