Office of the Historian

299. Telegram From the Embassy in Korea to the Department of State1

Seoul, March 21, 1968, 0825Z.

5051. Subject: Twelfth Senior MAC Members Meeting at Panmunjom, March 21, 1968.

1.
Meeting began as scheduled at 1100 hrs and ended at 1203.2
2.
Pak opened with long prepared statement which, in terminology typical of previous NK presentations at these meetings, reiterated US position, reviewed “evidence” which NK side had presented, and reiterated NK position that “We would be able to consider return of the crew when you make a proper apology and give an assurance on basis of confessions made by crew of Pueblo.”
3.
Pak again insisted that it falls within right of DPRK to deal with Pueblo and there is room for no third party to meddle. He specifically refused to make any proposals or ask any questions concerning US proposals as Smith had asked at 11th meeting, and added that “We are completely unable to find in any of your statements the intention to practically solve the issue.” He continued that “Should your side persist in its present unwarrantable claim, we cannot but think over the meaning of future meetings to be held under such circumstances and we will have no interest at all in such meetings.” In two successive paragraphs Pak used words “for nothing” and “gratuitous” in describing US offer. He concluded opening statement by remarking that US should know that “our patience has its limit” and recommending that US “discuss businesslike details on the basis of our proposal,” ending with phrase that “our side would be prepared to consider any reasonable opinion based on moral obligations which would take account of way shown by us and which would enable US to solve matter of Pueblo crew.”
4.
Since Pak had taken hardline anticipated reftel,3 Smith delivered entire statement contained therein.
5.
When Pak received written copy of Smith’s statement, he concentrated on element of new proposal concerning US preparedness to express regret for any violations of orders by USS Pueblo. He seemed particularly interested in portion of that sentence which read “which may have resulted in the ship’s approach.”
6.
After 18-minute pause, during which Pak and his assistants sifted through large stack of prepared statements for appropriate reply, Pak then delivered statement which consisted of excerpts from some of prepared statements plus additional language written on spot. This second statement included phrase “if your side has any real concern about fate of crew,” which was only hint of threat to punish crew apparent at today’s meeting.
7.
Operative paragraphs of Pak’s second statement indicated that he understood Smith’s statement to be an expression of willingness to discuss concrete businesslike matters for settlement of issue of Pueblo crew on basis NK proposal. Statement continued that if US side agrees to Pak’s understanding, NK side is ready to discuss concrete means related to repatriation of Pueblo crew. Statement continued that Pak believes “we will be able to discuss the concrete, businesslike matters at the next meeting on basis our proposal,” and concluded, somewhat disjointedly, with remark “I have heard your statement, I reserve my right to express later our position on it.”
8.
Smith merely responded he had noted Pak’s last statement. Meeting ended with agreement that Smith would call next meeting.
9.
Comment: Pak obviously changed his tune on subject of future meetings after reading Smith’s proposal, which he then twisted into expression of willingness to deal on NK terms. Inference seems fairly clear. Pak thinks or hopes we are now moving in direction of apology and will be hoping to move us still further at subsequent meetings.
Porter
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 33–6 KOR N–US. Secret; Immediate;Nodis; Cactus.↩
  2. Telegram 5058 from Seoul, March 21, transmitted the verbatim text of the meeting. (Ibid.)↩
  3. Reference is to telegram 131680 to Seoul, March 16, which transmitted instructions for the meeting to Smith. (Ibid.)↩