210. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 29, 1975, 11 a.m.1 2
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
SUBJECT: SecDef Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister
Japan Participants
- Prime Minister Takeo Miki
- Deputy Foreign Minister, Keisuke Arita
- Director General, American Affairs Bureau, Foreign Ministry, Toshio Yamazaki
- Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Hiroshi Kitamura
- Director, Security Division, American Affairs Bureau, Foreign Ministry, Shintaro Yamashita
- Interpreter, Sadaaki Numata
United States
- Secretary of Defense, James R. Schlesinger
- US Ambassador to Japan, James D. Hodgson
- Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (ISA), Amos Jordan
- Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (ISA), Morton I. Abramowitz
- Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, MG John A. Wickham, Jr., USA
Time: 1100, 29 August 1975
Place: Prime Minister’s Office
Following introductions, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for his reception in the United States. Since the US and Japan account for 46% of the world’s GNP the two countries must work together on a basis of friendship and trust to defend democracy. This theme has been the keynote of his policy. He had wanted his meetings in the United States to be candid and based on such mutual trust. On this score he was very satisfied. He concluded by asking SecDef to relay this to President Ford.
The Secretary responded that he would be delighted to do so. President Ford had welcomed Mr. Mikis August visit and felt a kinship and personal affection for Miki, in part because both of them have similar backgrounds. The August visit was very useful. With both common problems and major resources the two countries need to understand each other and better coordinate their efforts.
[Page 2]Mr. Miki thanked SecDef for his comments and expressed regret that his visit to Japan would be so short. In the past talks on security matters had been too infrequent; he hoped that henceforth there would be annual meetings. The Prime Minister asked for SecDef’s views on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, which was Japan’s main security concern.
The Secretary agreed that we should institutionalize the security dialogue and go into greater depth. He acknowledged the understandable importance of Korea to Japan but pointed out that Korea was also important to world perceptions. Vietnam let loose many fears, especially in Korea. There was a need for the US to reiterate its commitments. This reiteration had a calming effect.
The Secretary continued by stating we need to maintain the military balance in Korea to deter the North Koreans. The South Koreans are prepared to try to deal on their own with the North Korean threat but need time to reach parity. However, they are not capable of dealing with the Soviets or Chinese; the US must provide them that assurance.
The Koreans are working hard to maintain their military preparedness. ROK equipment had become somewhat obsolete. While this is not of concern while the US remains in Korea, the ROK needs better equipment to be able to deal alone with the North. SecDef again expressed satisfaction with what he found in South Korea.
The Secretary thanked Mr. Miki for the communiqu (with President Ford in August) and its helpful and welcome reference to Korea. He said that Japanese economic assistance to the ROK — not military assistance is a continuing important contribution to stability in the ROK.
Mr. Miki announced that Japan reached the decision today (August 29) to agree to hold its ministerial meeting with the ROK on September 14th. The question of assistance will be discussed then. Mr. Miki agreed that Japan would help in fields other than military. He also felt that the strong US commitment in the SCM communiqu would greatly encourage the ROK.
The Prime Minister believed it most important in Korea both to maintain the military balance and to reduce North-South tensions and fears. While realistically no major conflict is likely, there is always, the danger of miscalculation because of the excessive fears on both sides. We need to take steps to reduce such fears; the Secretary’s visit was very significant to the ROK side on this score. It is important to avoid miscalculation.
Mr. Miki continued that to promote greater trust between the US and Japan more consultation was essential. Without such trust the US-Japan security treaty could not function effectively. The Japanese people have complex feelings on security matters, but since Vietnam, people have been thinking more seriously about security problems. This welcome trend is visible in the Diet. Miki said he hoped the Secretary’s discussions on security matters would be candid. Miki added that the two countries should not reach hasty conclusions but should have fresh discussions.
[Page 3]The Secretary agreed that we should do this and that the Prime Minister’s words were welcome. SecDef assured Mr. Miki that we are well aware of the complex feelings of the Japanese people — they are understandable — and of Japan’s constitutional restrictions. Because of this complexity it would be up to Japan to determine the appropriate pace of security discussions. He assured Miki that the US would assist in a quiet manner as the Japanese might want.
Mr. Miki raised the post-Vietnam situation in Asia. He understood that the US is reassessing Asian policy and hoped his observations would be useful. Asian countries are feeling the need to strengthen their internal system, stabilize their political situation, and improve the public welfare. Asian countries now recognize that their problems begin at home. Military security is important but cannot be considered in isolation. He does not feel that Asian countries are drifting away from the US and hopes the US would not make rash judgments on where they are going. He added that he hopes the US would encourage Asian countries to strengthen their internal situations. The US and Japan should act in a way to demonstrate support for Asian countries. Our cooperation is vital for Asia.
The Secretary agreed with these comments. Economic growth and public welfare are vital, but so is psychological support from outside. Korea, for example, had greatly prospered in the last 25 years but needs support from Japan and the US. Without such support Korea will be a small power in a hostile environment. This theme also applies for the rest of Asia. SecDef assured Mr. Miki we will not make rash judgments. Vietnam may have had some favorable aspects, since it brought recognition on the part of Asian countries of the need for domestic improvement and internal support. We also need to work toward improved economic conditions in Asian countries.
Mr. Miki said the Korean problem is unique given the nature of confrontation there. He reiterated that the security of the ROK and peace on the Peninsula are important to Japanese security. One can see this clearly from the map. He had pointed that out to the Opposition when they asked if he were going to Washington to reaffirm the Korea clause in the Nixon-Sato communique. Mr. Miki added that the geographic evidence is convincing, that we feel it in our bones.
The Secretary replied that there is nothing about a unified Korean state under Northern control — some 50 million plus people at the height of their revolutionary fervor — that should enhance Japan’s feeling of security. SecDef said there is no question that US forces will remain in Korea and there will not be any Congressional attempts to bring about reductions before 1977. Even in the unlikely event of a change in administration, he did not expect any substantial change in our deployments or US policy. While there may be some minor changes in units, the general level of forces would be roughly the same.
The Secretary continued that Korea may be unique but there also seems to be other changes occurring in Asia. The Thai are becoming sensitive about North Vietnam intentions and appear to be changing their assessments about the [Page 4] US and US forces. The Philippines were also scared after Vietnam and their reaction has been somewhat of a political balancing act. SecDef said that the Philippines are not now really driven by a feeling of insecurity except for their problems in the South.
Mr. Miki responded that with respect to Korea he does not feel that the North would outright invade the South. The principal concern is to avoid domestic turmoil and dislocation in the South.
The Secretary agreed that as long as the military balance remains satisfactory, North Korea is not likely to miscalculate. The North is trying to foster internal disorder in the ROK. Internal Korean political weakness could be a danger. This is an area where the US and Japan fit in. Perhaps the ROK’s greatest internal strength has been its thriving economy. The South Koreans need to prevent economic recession which in turn could affect political stability. Continued external support from Japan would help prevent such a recession.
The Secretary noted that there had been some mention of North-South rapprochement through an international conference. While detente in Korea certainly would be welcome, North Korea did not, however, accept the legitimacy of the South Korean state. As long as the North believes it has the right to take over the South, there seems little chance for improvement in North-South relations. In such circumstances it is doubtful that external forces can help bridge the gap.
Mr. Miki replied that he had discussed this matter with President Ford. He went on to note that the political system in South Korea raises problems for the Japanese Government.
SecDef said that to the extent we provide support to the ROK and reduce South Korean fears of abandonment, the pressures for domestic repression will be alleviated. The US is, like Japan, painfully aware of this problem.
Mr. Miki continued that Japan has had a problem on this score with the Korean CIA and the Kim Tae Chung case. While this had been difficult to cope with, Japan would maintain good relations with the ROK.
The Secretary closed by welcoming Mr. Mikis views and expressing appreciation for his personal welcome. He asked if there were anything specific that Mr. Miki wanted him to pursue in his talks in Japan.
Mr. Miki replied, “Be frank.”
Morton I.
Abramowitz [signed]
Deputy Assistant Secretary
- Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0058, Japan, 091.112, 17 Sept 1975. Secret; Exdis. Prepared by Abramowitz. The conversation took place in the Prime Minister’s Office. A stamped message reads, “Dep. Sec. has seen.”↩
- Schlesinger and Miki discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula.↩