191. Telegram From the Embassy in Korea to the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Sharp)1
5706. 1. I am sure you have in mind fact that Park reacts sensitively to special attentions shown him on such occasions as the Honolulu meeting. If it is intended to move him forward on question of additional troops, it is vital that consideration be given to gestures indicating personal esteem of President Johnson for him.
2. I do not believe that the problem of additional troops is as difficult for him as he and his associates pretend, but their attitude does lend emphasis to para one above, and there will of course be substantial, perhaps outlandish, price tag attached. Park’s thinking on subject will also be conditioned by his estimate of probable outcome of our presidential election.
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Korea, Cables, Vol. VI. Top Secret; Specat Exclusive; Immediate. Repeated to the Department of State for William Bundy. Rostow added a handwritten note at the top of this telegram that reads: “Mr. President: This Porter cable suggests why it may be useful to meet Park tonight. Bill Bundy strongly recommends. Courtesy may make it easier to be tough on the new demands and the light division.” The President went to the airport to greet Pak upon his arrival in Honolulu the evening of April 16. (Ibid., President’s Daily Diary)↩