OEGHET
CONTENTS [Information, as of noon EST,
Far East
WEEK IN PERSPECTIVE
2
IMPASSE UNBROKEN
The North Koreans continue to imply strongly that their handling of the Pueblo crew will be dependent in large part on US actions. They clearly intend to use the crew as hostages to forestall US pressure and induce concessions.
9
1
PUEBLO IMPASSE UNBROKEN
North Koreans continue to imply strongly that their handling of the Pueblo crew will be dependent in large part on US actions. They are clearly intent on using the crew asto forestall us pressure and induce concessions.
General Pak Chung-kuk, the senior North Koreanat Panmunjom, onebruary warned that Pyongyang wouldwatch every future US move and cautioned the US to act He pointedly protested the US build-up since the Pueblo seizure and US plans to increase military assistance to South Korea.
The foreign minister, in contrast to an earlier lukewam endorsement of the Jointissued at the conclusion of the mission, stated publicly onebruary that the communique signified that there was complete accord between Seoul andon what constituted an at-tack on South Korea. I
addition, during the past week various North Koreanhave again warned that the crew may be punished in accordance with North Korean law.
In South Korea initial criticism of the Vance mission has givon way to an officialto play down differences with the US. Senior officials in Seoul now are apparentlythat they must put the best possible face on the recent discussions.
There have been widespread press reports in Seoul of ancabinet shake-up growing out of the North Korean attempt on President Pak's life last month and Seoul's unhappiness with us handling of the Pueblo incident. Those most likely to be removed by President Pak are reportedly the minister ofthe minister of homeand one economic minister. Any changes at this time,would beace-saving gesture by Pak andwould not foreshadow any change in South Korean policies.
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8 WEEKLY SUMMARY eb 68
Original document.
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