Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–12, Documents on East and Southeast Asia, 1973–1976
Chapter VI: Korean Peninsula: Document List
Document 230: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, January 5, 1973, 2:30 p.m.
Nixon and Prime Minister Kim discussed Korean affairs.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1026, Presidential/HAK Memcons, January–March 1973. Secret; Nodis. The conversation took place in the Oval Office. Prime Minister Kim and Foreign Minister Kim visited Washington to represent the Republic of Korea at the memorial service for Harry Truman on January 5. According to the President’s Daily Diary, the memorandum of conversation lists an incorrect date for the meeting, which occurred on January 5, 1973, from 2:31 until 3. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary)
Document 231: Memorandum From Richard Kennedy of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, January 16, 1973.
Kennedy recommended that Kissinger approve a cable informing Habib of U.S. policy toward Korean security and development issues.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 544, Country Files, Far East, Korea, Volume 6, January 1973–October 1973. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for action. A notation near the bottom reads, “John Holdridge concurs.” Kissinger initialed his approval of the recommendation. Habib’s proposed policy paper enclosed in A–432 from Seoul, December 10, 1972 and the draft backchannel telegram are attached but not published. Backchannel telegram 30190 from Kissinger to Habib, January 24, is ibid., Box 411, Backchannel Messages, Southeast Asia, vol. 1.
Document 232: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, February 24, 1973, 10:10 a.m.
Kissinger and Foreign Minister Kim discussed U.S.-ROK relations.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, Box 544, Korea, Volume 6, January 1973–October 1973. Secret; Sensitive. The conversation took place in Kissinger’s office.
Document 233: Memorandum From John Holdridge of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, March 1, 1973.
Holdridge informed Kissinger about the Department of State’s discussions with South Korea.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, Box 544, Korea, Volume 6, January 1973–October 1973. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Kissinger initialed the memorandum on March 20.
Document 234: Memorandum From John Holdridge of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, March 15, 1973.
Holdridge recommended that Kissinger approve a backchannel message to Habib concerning UNCURK.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, Box 544, Korea, Volume 6, January 1973–October 1973. Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only; Entirely Outside System. In the top right hand corner Kissinger wrote, “Where is the extra paper by Rush?” A response in an unknown hand wrote “Tab C,” referring to the March 8 Department of State paper. At the top of the first page, an unknown hand indicated that the situation room received the telegram for dispatch on the morning of March 19, 1973. Attached but not published is Tab A, the draft backchannel telegram from Kissinger to Habib, which was sent as backchannel telegram 30768 to Habib, March 19. (ibid., Box 411, Backchannel Messages, Southeast Asia, Volume II, 1973, Part 1) Tab B, a February 24 memorandum of conversation, is Document 232. Tab C, a paper prepared in the Department of State, March 8, is attached but not published.
Document 235: Summary and Options From a Study Prepared by the Interdepartmental Group for East Asia and the Pacific, Washington, undated.
The Interdepartmental Group for East Asia and the Pacific prepared a paper on U.S. policy toward the Korean Peninsula in response to NSSM 154.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–191, NSSM 155 (sic) [1 of 2]. Secret. NSSM 154 is scheduled to be published in see Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, Volume XIX, Part I, Korea, 1969-1972. Richard Sneider, Acting Chairman of the Interdepartmental Group that prepared the NSSM 154 paper, sent it to Kissinger under a covering letter dated April 3. (Ibid.) On May 4, Davis forwarded the study to the Deputy Secretaries of the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury, to the Acting Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, to the Director of Central Intelligence, and to the Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also received a copy. (Ibid.)
Document 236: Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) and Deputy Secretary of State Rush, Washington, April 9, 1973, 5:58 p.m.
Kissinger and Rush discussed whether UNCURK should be abolished.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Henry Kissinger Telephone Conversation Transcripts, Box 19–2 [March–April 1973]. No classification marking. Kissinger was in Washington. A transcript of Kissinger’s and Rush’s earlier conversation about UNCURK, April 7, is ibid.
Document 237: Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Porter) to President Nixon, Washington, June 15, 1973.
Porter reported on the recommendations of the Korea Force Modernization Steering Group.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–241, NSDMs, NSDM 227, folder 6. Secret; Norforn. Attached but not published are the December 27, 1972 memorandum of U. Alexis Johnson, Acting Chairman of the NSC Under Secretaries Committee; the February 7 memorandum from Kissinger to the Chairman of the Under Secretaries Committee; and the May 31 Report of the Korea Force Modernization Interagency Steering Group. The memorandum from Clements, 13 June, and the June 13 response of the Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the paper are ibid., H–68, SRG Meetings, NSSM 154, 6/15/73 [4 of 4].
Document 238: Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, June 15, 1973, 3:03 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
The Senior Review Group gathered to discuss U.S. policy toward Korea.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–113, SRG Minutes (Originals) 1972–3 [2 of 4]. Secret. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room. The June 18 meeting of the SRG was subsequently cancelled. On May 25, Habib reported that South Korea’s “new policy is acceptance of a two-Korea policy for an indefinite period while maintaining the ultimate objective of reunification.” (Telegram 3353 from Seoul; ibid., Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files.) Habib provided the Embassy’s recommendations on South Korea’s “Two Koreas” policy shift. (Telegram 3438 from Seoul, May 30; ibid.)
Document 239: National Intelligence Estimate 42/14.2–73, Washington, June 18, 1973.
The estimate assessed implications of South Korea’s diplomatic initiative.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, OPI 122 (National Intelligence Council), Job 79R01012A, Box 467, NIE 42/14.2–73, Folder 6. Secret. All members of the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in the estimate except the representatives of the FBI and the Department of Treasury, who abstained because the subject was outside of their jurisdiction. On June 18, Colby sent this NIE to Kissinger, as requested. Colby added, “The analysis in the NIE basically supports the approach advocated by State.” (Ibid.) [secret] On June 19, the Department sent instructions to Habib in telegram 118917 to Seoul. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, Box 544, Korea, Volume 6, January 1973–October 1973.)
Document 240: Memorandum From Lawrence Eagleburger of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, July 13, 1973.
Eagleburger recommended that Kissinger issue Habib instructions relating to UNCURK.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 544, Country Files, Far East, Korea, Volume 6, January 1973–October 1973. Secret. Sent for action. Kissinger initialed his approval of the recommendation. Attached to the memorandum is a note from Scowcroft that reads, “Henry—I am inclined to think Larry is right. Brent.” Froebe gave Kissinger a memorandum, June 23, summarizing Park’s speech. (Ibid.) The backchannel telegram, 31859, from the White House to Habib, July 18, is ibid., Box 411, Backchannel Messages, Southeast Asia, vol. II, 1973, Part 1.
Document 241: Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of State Rogers and Secretary of Defense Schlesinger, Washington, July 18, 1973.
Kissinger conveyed interim guidance on U.S. policy toward the Korean Peninsula.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 544, Country Files, Far East, Korea, Volume 6, January 1973–October 1973. Secret. According to an attached undated note by Scowcroft to Kissinger, Rogers would probably ignore this guidance, but Clements might be more sympathetic. Scowcroft also believed there was “no need” to send this memorandum to Nixon.
Document 242: Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, July 25, 1973.
Kissinger recommended that Nixon approve the issuance of a NSDM on Korean Force modernization.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–241, NSDMs, NSDM 227, Folder 6. Secret. Sent for action. Nixon initialed the “approve” option.
Document 243: National Security Decision Memorandum 227, Washington, July 27, 1973.
Kissinger issued NSDM 227 concerning the Korean Force Modernization Plan.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–241, NSDMs, NSDM 227, Folder 6. Secret. Copies were sent to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of Central Intelligence, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Document 244: Telegram 5409 From the Embassy in the Republic of Korea to the Department of State, August 15, 1973, 0326Z.
The embassy analyzed the circumstances and consequences of the abduction of Kim Dae-jung.
Source: National Archives, Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated for information to Tokyo. On August 8, Republic of Korea intelligence agents kidnapped opposition politician Kim Dae-jung from a hotel in Tokyo, allegedly with plans to assassinate him.
Document 245: Backchannel Message 0818 From the Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (Habib) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Seoul, August 24, 1973, 0615Z.
Habib reported on a meeting with Park and a proposed meeting with North Korean officials in Beijing.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 527, Country Files, Far East, PRC, Volume 8, July 10, 1973–December 31, 1973. Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Habib’s backchannel telegram was Tab C of a memorandum, August 24, from Richard Solomon to Kissinger. (Ibid.) The meeting between the North Korean Chargé and members of the USLO in Bejing is described ibid., HAK Office Files, Box 95, Country Files, Far East, Folder 4 [2 of 2], China Exchange, 7/10/73–10/31/73.
Document 246: Memorandum of Conversation, Seoul, November 16, 1973.
Kissinger and Park discussed U.S.-Korean relations and U.S. negotiations with China.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973 (TS Files), Box 24, Misc Refiles [No Folder Title], POL 7 US/Kissinger. Top Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Hummel. The meeting was held in the Blue House.
Document 247: Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting, Washington, December 4, 1973, 10:40 a.m.–12:02 p.m.
A WSAG meeting considered North Korean maritime demands.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Staff for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Convenience Files, Box 24, WSAG Working Group, Dec. 4, 1973 [Korea]. Top Secret; Nodis. The minutes were attached to a covering memorandum, December 5, from Davis to Kissinger, explaining that the WSAG met “to discuss North Korea’s demand that UN Command naval and merchant ships obtain prior permission to navigate the waters contiguous to five UNC-controlled islands off the west coast of Korea.” On December 22, Scowcroft approved draft State-Defense cables to the Embassy in Seoul giving guidance for the upcoming Military Armistice Commission meeting and commenting on a South Korean memorandum on the island dispute. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 544, Country Files, Far East, Korea, Volume 7, November 1973–)
Document 248: National Security Study Memorandum 190, Washington, December 31, 1973.
Kissinger asked the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the Central Intelligence Agency to study potential diplomatic initiatives regarding security arrangements on the Korean peninsula.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–201, NSSMs, NSSM 190 (1 of 3). Top Secret; Nodis. Coped to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On December 20, Kissinger received a memorandum from Solomon and Froebe recommending that he sign a NSSM on diplomatic initiatives in Korea. On the first page of this memorandum, Kissinger wrote, “I want NSSM sent.” (Ibid.) The NSSM 190 issues were eventually referred to the President for decision without a prior meeting of the SRG.
Document 249: Minutes of the Secretary of State’s Staff Meeting, Washington, January 25, 1974.
Habib and Kissinger led a discussion of U.S. policy toward the Korean peninsula.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Transcripts of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meetings, 1973–1977, Entry 5177, Box 2. Secret; Nodis. In telegram 22538 to Seoul, February 2, Hummel informed Habib, “The Secretary has asked that we reiterate to you his disinclination to have us pressing the Koreans, either privately or publicly, on their domestic situation. You will recall his remarks on this subject during the discussion at your meeting January 25. This reiteration stems from that discussion, rather than from any new developments; we have not seen evidence of such pressing in your recent reporting.” (Ibid, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 544, Country Files, Far East, Korea, Volume 7, November 1973–)
Document 250: Intelligence Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, February 1, 1974.
The authors predicted that Park’s regime would remain in power in the short run, but domestic opposition to it would grow.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, OPI 16 (Office of Current Intelligence), Job 79T00863A, Box 31, Folder 22, Intelligence Memorandum [unnumbered]. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. The Office of Current Intelligence at the CIA prepared this report in response to a January 19 request from Scowcroft, on behalf of Kissinger, that “an assessment be made of the current South Korean internal political situation, accompanied by a projection of the prospects for the next two to three months.” (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 544, Country Files, Far East, Korea, Volume 7, November 1973–)
Document 251: Memorandum From Richard Smyser and John Froebe of the National Security Council Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, February 11, 1974.
Smyser and Froebe recommended that Kissinger ask Sisco to urge the British Ambassador to delay an expansion of relations with North Korea.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, Box 544, Korea, Volume 7, November 1973–. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for action. Concurred in by Soloman. Kissinger initialed his approval of the recommendation. Attached but not published is the table of states.
Document 252: Memorandum From Secretary of State Kissinger to President Nixon, Washington, March 25, 1974.
Kissinger presented his own and agency views about negotiations on terminating the UN Command in Korea, and recommended that Nixon approve the issuance of a NSDM on this subject.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–202, NSSMs, NSSM 190 [2 of 3]. Top Secret; Sensitive. The President approved the NSDM recommendation, and, next to section 4b, he wrote, “K—Vital to highlight this.” On February 7, Acting Chairman Hummel of the IG for East Asia and the Pacific sent Scowcroft its response to NSSM 190. (Ibid.) On February 24, Kissinger request comments from the Departments of Defense, State, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, noting that there would be no SRG meeting on Korea before the President made decisions on issues in NSSM 190. (Ibid., Box H–311, Miscellaneous Institutional Files of the Nixon Administration, NSC Subject, [Korea] [1 of 2])
Document 253: National Security Decision Memorandum 251, Washington, March 29, 1974.
Kissinger issued NSDM 251 concerning the termination of the UN Command in Korea.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–246, NSDMs, NSDM 251. Top Secret; Sensitive. Copies were sent to the Director of Central Intelligence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Document 254: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, May 28, 1974, 2:05–3:05 p.m.
Habib briefed Clements on U.S. relations with Korea.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 330–77–0054, Korea, 333, 1974, June 20. Secret. Prepared by Vandegrift and approved by Jordan. The conversation took place in Clements’s office. Clements’s talking points for the meeting, dated May 28, are ibid.
Document 255: National Intelligence Analytical Memorandum 14.2–1–74, Washington, July 15, 1974.
The memorandum assessed North Korea’s military and strategic intentions.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, OPI 122 (National Intelligence Council), Job 79R01012A, Box 480, NIAM 14.2–1–74, Folder 3. Top Secret. The memorandum was prepared by the CIA and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, and the National Security Agency. Concurred in by members from the CIA, INR, DIA, NSA; representatives from the AEC, FBI, and the Department of Treasury abstained. Representatives of the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force also participated.
Document 256: Memorandum From Richard Smyser of the National Security Council Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, undated.
Smyser sent Kissinger a memorandum about informing the South Korean government of U.S. aid plans.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–241, NSDMs, NSDM 227, folder 6. Secret. Sent for urgent action. Concurred in by Kennedy. Attached but not published are Tab A the undated draft memorandum from Kissinger to the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of State; and Tab B, the memorandum from Clements to Kissinger. Tab C, NSDM 227, is attached and published as Document 243. Kissinger did not sign Tab A. An attached note from Scowcroft indicates that the matter was instead handled by phone on September 23.
Document 257: Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of Defense Schlesinger, Washington, October 8, 1974.
Kissinger asked the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the CIA to produce a study of the U.S. security assistance program to the Republic of Korea.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–32, NSSM 211, Review of U.S. Security Assistance to the Republic of Korea (2). Top Secret. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Document 258: Memorandum of Conversation, Seoul, November 22, 1974, 3 p.m.
Park, Ford, and Kissinger discussed U.S. support for South Korea, the North Korean threat, North-South dialogue, Japan, the Soviet Union, China, and economic issues.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 7. Secret; Nodis. The conversation took place in the Blue House. Ford visited South Korea November 21–22; his arrival speech, dinner toast, and the joint communiqué he issued with Park are in The Department of State Bulletin, Vol. LXXI, No. 1852, December 23, pp. 875–878.
Document 259: Memorandum of Conversation, Seoul, November 1974.
Park, Ford, and Kissinger briefly discussed issues in U.S.-South Korean relations.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 7. Secret; Nodis. The conversation took place in the Blue House. The exact date and time of this conversation is not indicated.
Document 260: Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Ford, Washington, January 3, 1975.
Kissinger recommended that Ford approve the issuance of a NSDM on future U.S. military assistance to South Korea.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–57, NSDM 282, Review of ROK Air Defense Requirements (10). Top Secret; Nodis. Ford initialed the approve option. The response to NSSM 211, an undated IG paper, is ibid., Box H–32, NSSM 211, Review of U.S. Security Assistance to the Republic of Korea (1).
Document 261: Minutes of the Secretary of State’s Staff Meeting, Washington, January 6, 1975, 8 a.m..
Habib and Kissinger discussed weapons sales to South Korea.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Transcripts of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meetings, 1973–1977, E5177, Box 5. Secret.
Document 262: National Security Decision Memorandum 282, Washington, January 9, 1975.
Kissinger issued NSDM 282 concerning the Korean force modernization plan.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–69, NSDM Originals (1 of 2), NSDM 281–NSDM 300. Top Secret; Nodis. Copies were sent to the Director of Central Intelligence, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Document 263: Key Judgments From an Interagency Intelligence Memorandum DCI/NIO 165–75, Washington, January 24, 1975.
[1 page not declassified.]
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, OPI 122 (National Intelligence Council), Job 79R01142A, Box 1, Folder 10. Secret.
Document 264: Memorandum From Richard Smyser and David Elliott of the National Security Council Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, February 28, 1975.
Smyser and Elliott recommended that Kissinger approve a Department of State cable addressing the development of nuclear weapons in South Korea.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 9, Korea [4]. Secret; Sensitive. On behalf of Kissinger, Scowcroft initialed his approval of the draft State cable. Tab A is attached but not published. Tab B, not attached, is likely telegram 8023 from Seoul, referenced in Document 263. The Department sent the cable on March 4 as telegram 048673 to Seoul. (Ibid., Box 11, Korea, DOS Cables, NODIS from SECSTATE [3])
Document 265: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 27, 1975, 5 p.m.
Sneider informed Scowcroft about developments in U.S.-South Korean relations.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 10. Secret. The conversation took place in the White House. The March 26 talking points that Smyser gave Scowcroft, are ibid., Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 9, Korea [5].
Document 266: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 28, 1975, 11 a.m.
Kissinger and Foreign Minister Kim discussed South Korea’s international position.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P820123–1061. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Smyser and approved by Gompert.
Document 267: Telegram 2685 From the Embassy in the Republic of Korea to the Department of State, April 18, 1975, 0933Z.
The Embassy analyzed the South Korean view of the U.S. security commitment in the light of developments in Indochina.
Source: National Archives, Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Secret; Exdis. The Embassy in Seoul sent a telegram of policy recommendations to bolster ROK security on April 22. (Telegram 2807 from Seoul; Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 11, Korea, State Department Telegrams to SECSTATE, NODIS [5])
Document 268: National Security Study Memorandum 226, Washington, May 27, 1975.
Kissinger asked the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the CIA to review U.S. policy toward the Korean peninsula.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–36, NSSM 226, Review of U.S. Policy Toward the Korean Peninsula. Secret; Nodis. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Document 269: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, June 12, 1975, 4 p.m.
Kissinger and Habib discussed U.S.-ROK relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P820123–1364. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by O’Donohue and approved by Covey.
Document 270: Memorandum of Conversation, Seoul, August 27, 1975.
Park and Schlesinger discussed Japan, human rights, and anti-submarine warfare.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 9, Korea (11). Secret; Sensitive; Nodis. The conversation took place in President Park’s Office. The discussion occurred before and during lunch. Howard Graves, Military Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, sent this memcon to Scowcroft on September 9.
Document 271: Memorandum of Conversation, Seoul, August 27, 1975.
Park and Schlesinger discussed the North Korean threat, ROK force improvement, and the military situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 9, Korea (11). Secret; Sensitive; Nodis. The conversation took place in President Park’s Office. Howard Graves, Military Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, sent this memcon to Scowcroft on September 9.
Document 272: Memorandum of Conversation, Seoul, August 27, 1975.
Park and Schlesinger discussed nuclear matters, the U.S. commitment to Korea, and U.S. military commanders in South Korea.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 9, Korea (11). Secret; Nodis. The conversation took place in President Park’s Office. The meeting time is unrecorded. Howard Graves, Military Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, sent this memcon to Scowcroft on September 9.
Document 273: Memorandum From Thomas J. Barnes of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Washington, September 29, 1975.
Barnes recommended that Scowcroft investigate Schlesinger’s discussions in Korea and the proposal for a short-war strategy.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 9, Korea (12). Secret. Sent for action. The memorandum notes Granger’s concurrence, next to which is written “strongly concur.” Attached but not published are Tab A, undated comments on Schlesinger’s discussions in Seoul; Tab B, Schlesinger’s conversations with Park and Suh, which the NSC received under a covering memorandum, September 9, from Schlesinger’s Military Assistant Howard Graves to Scowcroft, and which are published as Documents 270–272; Tab C, an undated outline of Schlesinger’s anticipated discussions with Park. Tabs D and E are not attached, but refer to telegram 226183 to Seoul, September 23, and telegram 7547 from Seoul, September 25, both at the National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. In response to telegram 7547, the Department sent telegram 234236 to Seoul, October 1; ibid. Scowcroft initialed his approval of the recommendation.
Document 274: Study Prepared by the Office of International Security Affairs in the Department of Defense, Washington, undated.
The Bureau of International Security Affairs in the Department of Defense examined the problems facing the United States in Korea.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–79–0049, Korea, 092, 1976, January 16. Secret. Amos Jordan sent the study to the Secretary of Defense under a covering memorandum, January 15, on which was noted: “Sec Def has seen. 19 Jan 1976.”
Document 275: Information Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs in the Department of Defense (Bergold) to Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, Washington, March 16, 1976.
Bergold warned that increasing repression by Park’s government was diminishing Congressional support for South Korea.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–79–0049, Korea, 092, 1976, 1976 March 16. Confidential; Eyes Only. A notation on the memorandum reads, “22 Mar 1976. Sec Def has seen.” For NSSM 235, see Document 23.
Document 276: Memorandum From Jeanne Davis of the National Security Council Staff to the Chairman of the National Security Council Interdepartmental Group for East Asia (Habib), Washington, April 19, 1976.
Davis asked the NSC Interdepartmental Group for East Asia to resume work on NSSM 226.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–36, NSSM 226, Review of U.S. Policy Toward the Korean Peninsula. Secret; Nodis.
Document 277: Memorandum from Jay Taylor of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Washington, April 22, 1976.
Taylor summarized a CIA report on possible North Korean initiatives during 1976.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 10, Korea (15). Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Scowcroft initialed the memorandum and wrote, “Good idea.” Tab A, April 8, 1976, is not attached. It is in the Central Intelligence Agency, OPI 122 (National Intelligence Council), Job 91R00884R, Box 31, Intelligence Memorandum: Possible North Korean Initiatives During 1976, NIO M 76–010 C. The Defense papers on the vulnerabilities of the Northwest Islands to attack and on options for their defense are in the Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 10, Korea (17).
Document 278: Memorandum From Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affair Abramowitz to William Hyland of the NSC Staff, Washington, April 22, 1976.
Abramowitz asked that the request for NSSM 226 be withdrawn.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–36, NSSM 226, Review of U.S. Policy Toward the Korean Peninsula. Secret.
Document 279: Memorandum From Thomas J. Barnes of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Washington, May 19, 1976.
Barnes asked Scowcroft to decide the future of the NSSM 226 study.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–36, NSSM 226, Review of U.S. Policy Toward the Korean Peninsula. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for Action. The tabs are attached but not published. On the first page of the memorandum, Scowcroft wrote, “a mistake” next to the passage: “We originally issued NSSM 226 in May 1975 but delayed action pending the broad review of U.S. interests and security objectives in the Asia-Pacific area.” On the third page, Scowcroft underlined, “informally inform the departments concerned” and initialed his approval of option A. He also wrote, “Our basic mistake was stopping work on the NSSM last spring when we could have used it.”
Document 280: Memorandum From Thomas J. Barnes of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Washington, May 28, 1976.
Barnes informed Scowcroft of North Korean threats and of accusations of South Korean provocations.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 10, Korea (16). Confidential. Sent for information. Concurred in by Granger. According to the correspondence profile, Scowcroft saw this document on June 1. (Ibid.) North Korean news accounts of enemy provocations are ibid.
Document 281: Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Kissinger and the Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs (Habib), Washington, August 18, 1976, 10:05 a.m.
Kissinger and Habib discussed a North Korean attack on South Korean and U.S. soldiers who were pruning a tree in the demilitarized zone.
Source: Department of State, Electronic Reading Room, Transcripts of Kissinger Telephone Conversations. Unclassified.
Document 282: Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting, Washington, August 18, 1976, 3:47–4:43 p.m.
WSAG received a CIA briefing on the DMZ attack and then discussed policy options.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Staff for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Convenience Files, Box 27, WSAG Meeting, Korean Incident, August 18, 1976. Secret. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room.
Document 283: Telegram 206084 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Republic of Korea, August 19, 1976, 0110Z.
The Department sent instructions to the U.S. political and military representatives in Korea on the response to the North Korean attack in the DMZ.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 10, Korea, North Korean Tree Incident, August 18, 1976, Telegrams (1). Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by Hurwitz and approved by Kissinger.
Document 284: Telegram 190720Z From the Commander in Chief of the United Nations Command (Stillwell) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of State Kissinger, and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, August 19, 1976, 0720Z.
Stilwell described his meeting with Park on the response to the North Korean attack.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 10, Korea, North Korean Tree Incident, August 18, 1976, Telegrams (3). Secret.
Document 285: Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting, Washington, August 19, 1976, 8:12-9:15 a.m.
WSAG discussed how to respond to the North Korean DMZ attack.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Staff for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Convenience Files, Box 27, WSAG Meeting, Korean Incident, August 18, 1976. Secret. The meeting occurred in the White House Situation Room. The briefing by the Director of Central Intelligence is attached but not published. Hyland’s draft telegram to Scowcroft, August 19, reported on proposed responses to the attack. (Ibid., Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 10, Korea, North Korean Tree Incident, August 18, 1976 [2]) On the morning of August 21, UNC forces felled the disputed tree.
Document 286: Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting, Washington, August 25, 1976, 10:30 a.m..
WSAG met to discuss the Korean situation.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Staff for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Convenience Files, Box 27, WSAG Meeting, Korean Incident, August 18, 1976. Top Secret; Sensitive. The minutes contain handwritten revisions by Gleysteen. The meeting occurred in the White House Situation Room. Gleysteen sent these minutes to Hyland under an undated memorandum.
Document 287: Telegram 213541 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Republic of Korea, August 27, 1976, 2010Z.
The Department of State sent Sneider instructions for his meeting with Park.
Source: National Archives, Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Director of the Korea desk Edward Hurwitz; cleared by Hummel, Habib, and Deputy Executive Secretary Peter Sebastian; and approved by Kissinger. On August 28, Sneider reported that he had met with Park and had carried out his instructions. (Telegram 6748 from Seoul; ibid.)
Document 288: Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (Hyland) to President Ford, Washington, September 5, 1976.
Hyland informed Ford of a revision to the Korean DMZ agreement.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 10, Korea (19). Confidential. Ford initialed the first page of the memorandum.
Document 289: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, September 15, 1976, 2:30 p.m.
Scowcroft, Sneider, and Gleysteen discussed U.S. policy toward Korea.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 10, Korea (19). Secret; Sensitive. Gleysteen sent the memorandum of conversation to Scowcroft under a covering memorandum, September 17, recommending his approval, which Scowcroft initialed. The talking points that Gleysteen prepared for Scowcroft, September 14, are ibid.
Document 290: Telegram 9567 From Embassy in the Republic of Korea to the Department of State, December 3, 1976, 0835Z.
Sneider reported on the U.S.-South Korean relationship.
Source: National Archives, Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Secret; Immediate; Nodis.