Office of the Historian

25. Letter From President Nixon to Korean President Park1

Washington, June 10, 1969.

Dear Mr. President:

Thank you for your note of April 8 introducing Deputy Prime Minister Park and for your letter of April 26 which the Deputy Prime Minister delivered to me. I had a most useful and pleasant discussion with him.2

As Ambassador Porter has already told you, I am glad that you consider the actions which I have taken in response to the unprovoked shooting down of the EC–121 over international waters to be wise and appropriate. I am most grateful for the support expressed both in your letter and in the public statements of officials of your government.

I agree with your view that one of North Korea’s motives is to try to drive a wedge between the United States and the Republic of Korea. Thanks to the spirit of the Korean people and the close harmony between our two governments, these efforts have totally failed. I want to assure you of my personal dedication to strengthening the bonds between our two countries.

I am very much aware of the military capabilities of the North Korean regime and the threatening attitude of their leaders. I share your concern about it. I was therefore glad to get your views on ways to meet this continuing threat. I will keep them very much in mind and can assure you that they will receive most serious consideration by my Administration.

As you know, United States tactical air forces in Korea were substantially strengthened after the attempted raid on the Blue House and the Pueblo incident, and other measures have been taken to strengthen our defenses.

I look forward to your visit in August, when it will be possible for us to explore our mutual interests and problems together at length.

With warm regards,

Sincerely,

Richard Nixon
  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 757, Presidential Correspondence File 1969–1974, Korea, President Park Corr., 1969. No classification marking. On May 21, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Department of State, John P. Walsh, sent a draft of this letter to Kissinger with the recommendation that he send it to the President. (Ibid.) Nixon signed the letter, and it was transmitted to President Park in telegram 96297 to Seoul, June 13. The original of President Nixon’s letter was forwarded by pouch.↩
  2. See Document 21 and footnote 2 thereto. Copies of the two letters are attached to Nixon’s letter.↩