Note on Information provided by DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister, Comrade Kim Yong-taek, on 3 July 1972 for the Ambassadors and Acting Ambassadors of Poland, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, Romania, Hungary, and the GDR

GDR Embassy to DPRK

Pyongyang, 4 July 1972

N o t e

On Information provided by DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister, Comrade Kim Yong-taek [Kim Ryong Thaek],

on 3 July 1972 for the Ambassadors and Acting Ambassadors of Poland, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, Romania, Hungary, and the GDR

at 20:40 hours in the DPRK Foreign Ministry

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs released important information on the problem of Korean unification. Reading from a written manuscript, he made the following statements:

The problem of unification of the country has to be solved without any interference from outside, without foreign forces, with the forces of the Koreans alone, and in a peaceful manner. Party and government of the DPRK have focused all their efforts in this direction and recently achieved important results through contacts and meetings. He [Kim Yong-taek] defined the Red Cross talks in Panmunjeom as unofficial contacts with South Korea on a low level. With the agreement on an agenda their first phase has come to a certain conclusion.

Between 2 and 5 May 1972 Lee Hu-rak, head of the South Korean intelligence service, visited the DPRK and had talks with Kim Yeong-ju [Kim Yong Ju] (Note: brother of Kim Il Sung). Among other things, during his visit he was also received by Kim Il Sung.

From 29 May to 1 June 1972 Pak Seong-cheol [Pak Song Chol], and not Kim Yeong-ju, visited Seoul and talked to the intelligence chief [Lee Hu-rak] and Park Chung Hee.

The three principles of unification were instantly agreed upon, and they will be publicized at an appropriate time. Afterwards there was another meeting where a joint declaration was agreed to become public simultaneously in the DPRK and in South Korea on the 4^th of July 1972 at 10:00 hours. Yet prior to this publication, the DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized, the Foreign Ministry wants to inform the ambassadors of the fraternal countries. Then Kim Yong-taek provided more details of the joint declaration:

1. The unification of the fatherland is supposed to occur on the basis of the agreed upon three principles:

1. The problem must be solved without any interference from outside with the Korean people’s own forces;
2. Unification must be implemented without any arms involved, it has to be realized in a peaceful manner;
3. Notwithstanding all the ideological and other differences of the political systems, national unity, and a great, unified nation, is supposed to be created.

2. An atmosphere of mutual good faith and trust has to be created. Thus all slander and military provocations have to cease in order to exclude a sudden military incursion;

3. There was a complete accordance of opinion that exchanges between North and South Korea shall be opened up on all areas and levels.

4. Both sides will work towards the success of the Red Cross talks.

5. There was an agreement about the installation of a direct phone line between Seoul and Pyongyang to exclude a military attack and to solve all upcoming operational questions.

6. In order to increase speed in implementing the points mentioned above, in particular the unification of the fatherland on the basis of the agreed principles, a committee for coordination and guidance shall be established with Kim Yeong-ju and Lee Hu-rak as chairmen.

7. Both sides are convinced that the points agreed upon reflect the will of the people and shall be realized.

The declaration was signed by Kim Yeong-ju and Lee Hu-rak.

Comrade Kim Yong-taek continued:

• The agreement became reality since the South Koreans have adopted the correct course of the DPRK government. It is correct since it represents the path to victory.

• The joint agreement can become a turning point for the unification of the fatherland.

• Despite the agreement there are still many issues unresolved, and the struggle for the solution of the problems is complicated.

Deputy Foreign Minister Comrade Kim Yong-taek requested to inform our governments as soon as possible about the above-mentioned issues. He voiced the expectation for even stronger support of the struggle of the Korean people for the unification of the country.

Note: On 3 July our Embassy was invited to a press conference for 4 July at 10:00 hours to be held by the 2^nd Deputy of the Prime Minister, Pak Seong-cheol.

Merten

Embassy Counselor

CC

1x Foreign Ministry, Far East Department

1x Central Committee, Department IV

1x ZID

1x Embassy/Political Department

1x MA Comrade Grünberg