142. Letter From President Nixon to Korean President Park 1
Dear Mr. President:
Thank you for your letter of March 232 in which you expressed your views on the security of Korea. Assistant Secretary Green also has informed me of his frank and useful discussions with you in Seoul.3 I am glad that we are continuing to have a close and candid exchange of thoughts on matters which are so important to our mutual desire for peace and progress in Asia.
We believe that our quest for a dialogue with the Chinese and Russian leaders will contribute to these goals, and your support of that quest is something I deeply appreciate. We recognize that there are wide differences between their views and ours, but we feel that conversations about these differences can have highly worthwhile consequences for [Page 352] all of us. I am happy to report that this was the case in the People’s Republic of China, and I hope it will be the case in the Soviet Union as well.
I can assure you, Mr. President, that the United States will continue to place high importance on the interests of its friends and allies. My talks in Moscow, like those in Peking, will concern primarily bilateral issues. We will take no action at the expense of our friends nor enter into any agreement which would compromise their future. Should the Soviet Union raise any issues affecting Korean security, you can be sure that I shall once again affirm our strong ties with the Republic of Korea. I will also make known our intention to maintain and further develop our close bonds, and to adhere to our defense commitment to your country.
In the past we have known the unpredictability of the North Korean leadership, and we are very much aware that military forces arrayed in North Korea continue to pose a threat to your nation and your people. We share your concern that the North not make the mistake of increasing tensions. I must add, however, that we have no information now which indicates that North Korea plans to initiate hostilities in the near future. Nevertheless, we must not relax our guard.
At the same time, we have noted your efforts to talk with the North about matters such as divided families. As was stated in the Joint Communiqué between the United States and the People’s Republic of China of February 28, 1972,4 “The United States will maintain its close ties with and support for the Republic of Korea; the United States will support efforts of the Republic of Korea to seek a relaxation of tension and increased communication on the Korean Peninsula.” Of immediate importance in this general connection, my Government will look forward to cooperating closely with yours in dealing with the Korean question in the United Nations General Assembly next fall.
While we search for peace, Mr. President, we intend to remain strong. As you know, we plan no changes in the level of our forces stationed in the Republic of Korea through the end of Fiscal Year 1973. We have also outlined for you our planned force disposition in Asia. Before undertaking any further reduction of United States forces in Korea, we will consult fully with you and make a joint assessment of any threat to your country’s security.
The five-year program for modernizing your military forces continues to be of great importance to us. We are happy that we have been able to provide support for this program during its first two years— [Page 353] some $440 million in grant funds, and approximately $16 million worth of excess defense articles and the equipment of the division which we withdrew from Korea in Fiscal Year 1971. I recognize Korea’s impressive efforts to become self-sufficient in defense, and regret the reductions caused by the Congressional action in military assistance for Fiscal Year 1972.
Spokesmen for my Administration, in their appearances before our Congress, have emphasized the significance of military assistance to our allies, and in particular the importance of the Korean military modernization program. Korea is well and favorably known to the leaders of our Congress, and I believe, therefore, that our assistance programs will move forward at an adequate level in the coming years.
Concerning the ten percent deposit requirement under Section 514 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1971, my Administration has no alternative but to comply with the provisions of the law. However, as you are probably aware, this requirement applies only to deliveries of military assistance made beginning February 7, 1972. Further, my Administration does not favor this requirement, and we have called for its repeal in Fiscal Year 1973.
As a Pacific nation, the United States has a special regard for its Asian allies. We have said on several occasions over the years that we intend to honor our obligations to Korea, and we believe our intentions are understood by friend and foe alike. We share your view concerning the necessity for frequent and close discussions between our Governments, and I am pleased that our representatives will again be meeting to discuss these matters at the annual Republic of Korea–United States Security Consultative Conference in Colorado Springs.
Thank you very much for your good wishes. As you know, I place the highest value on our friendship. You have my warmest good wishes as you lead your country forward in these critical times.
Sincerely,
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 757, Presidential Correspondence 1969–1974, Korea: President Chung Hee Park, 1972. Secret. The text of President Nixon’s letter was transmitted in telegram 97271 to Seoul, June 2, with a request that a copy be delivered to President Park as soon as possible. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 US/NIXON)↩
- President Park’s March 23 letter was delivered to Rogers by Ambassador Kim on April 6. The letter asked for assurances concerning the upcoming Moscow summit and requested restoration of the cuts in FY 1972 grant military assistance to Korea. The original letter, forwarded to Nixon by Kissinger under an undated covering memorandum, is attached but not printed.↩
- See Document 127.↩
- See footnote 2, Document 127.↩