241. Letter From President Carter to Australian Prime Minister Fraser1
Thank you for your thoughtful letter describing your recent meeting with the leaders of the ASEAN nations.2 We too have been impressed by the serious, businesslike approach the ASEAN leaders have shown. ASEAN has come a long way as a force for increased cooperation, stability and growth. We intend to do what we can to support consultations and cooperation in areas of mutual international interest. Like you, we share an interest in the prosperity and stability of the area.
Your analysis is particularly useful to us as the U.S. delegation prepares for economic consultations with Ministers from the ASEAN nations next month in Manila. Our delegation will be led by Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Richard N. Cooper. As you suggest, he will be prepared to discuss trade and other subjects of interest to ASEAN.
As you know from our talks last June, the United States is fully committed to retaining its presence and influence in Asia and the Pacific. I appreciate what you have done since we talked to make this clear to other Asian leaders. Cy Vance’s June 29 speech3 stressed this [Page 795] point, and we will keep looking for other suitable means of reaffirming our commitment.
I know you are particularly interested in our plans to withdraw troops from Korea. I believe that Harold Brown’s recent discussions in Seoul and Tokyo have significantly reassured the Koreans and Japanese about the strength of our security commitment and the means by which it will be implemented, including a substantial buildup of the military capabilities of the Republic of Korea.
One of the things Cy Vance will be discussing in Peking will be the Korean question. He will again emphasize our commitment to the security of the South and our hope that the Chinese will assist us in promoting a stabler, more peaceful relationship between the two Koreas. Our intention is to have a general tour d’horizon with the Chinese, including our relationships with the USSR and the situation in the Middle East and Africa, as well as a full exploration of the possibilities of normalizing relations. We will inform you of the results of the visit through Ambassador Renouf.
We welcome the constructive role Australia is playing in Asia, as well as the close cooperation between our two countries. I deeply appreciate your continuing views and counsel.
Sincerely,
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 4, Australia, 1977. No classification marking.↩
- See Document 240.↩
- See footnote 2, Document 237.↩