Korea 2018

On our annual February visit to Alameda, California we attended an informal talk on North Korea by a retired U.S. Army colonel who had spent most of his career in Army intelligence. Although born in San Francisco, the colonel was of Chinese descent, a factor he claimed led to his being stationed in Asia for most of his career.

His talk on Korea was a real eye-opener. For example, he pointed out that there had never been a peace treaty between North and South Korea. The Korean War came to an end in 1954 with an armistice or cease fire agreement that established a border between the two parties along the 38^th parallel.  The armistice is still in existence 64 years later but the lack of a peace treaty has created what amounts to two armed camps along the demilitarized zone stretching the entire width of the Korean peninsula.

On one side of the border the North Koreans have placed a huge array of non-nuclear missiles all pointed at the South. Seoul, the capitol of South Korea, is in easy striking distance of these missiles. The colonel pointed out that nuclear weapons could not be used in such close proximity. Still, the 20,000,000 million residents of Seoul could easily be more than decimated within minutes.

On the other hand, South Koreans could put up a devastating response. Its army contains around 600000 men, and its air force is equipped with the latest and most sophisticated fighters and bombers. Unlike North Korea, South Korea has become a modern industrial giant definitely able to take care of itself. Nevertheless, since the armistice the United States has maintained a military presence in South Korea. 

There are approximately 40000 U. S. soldiers and their dependents mainly located in a camp only 40 miles south of Seoul. They are also within striking distance of the North Korean missiles. It would seem to me that the presence of this force is more symbolic than military. American troops are a sign that we will have to retaliate if South Korea is attacked. In effect, the American forces are like hostages guaranteeing American commitment.   

A peace treaty between North and South Korea could go a long way to reducing tension in the peninsula. It is hard to know what form the treaty would take but it seems to me that it should be primarily a matter for Koreans to determine. It would be beneficial for both North and South Korea to recognize the right of each other to exist. I also believe that the treaty should call for the gradual removal of all American troops from the peninsula. This move could go hand in hand with de-nuclearization in the North.

In his talk, the colonel also believed that the treaty could include trade relations between North and South Korea as a basic step in reducing the tremendous military arsenal along the de-militarized zone. The DMZ is a powder keg that if ignited, would not only destroy millions of Koreans but also involve super-powers in a terrible confrontation.

Perhaps the Winter Olympic games recently concluded in the mountains of South Korea can give an impetus to a peace treaty. Practically all of the Olympic athletes were symbols of the best in humanity. It was wonderful to see them compete, as well as to see their smiling, healthy faces when interviewed. The Korean athletes were particularly charming. To me the high point of the games was the South Korean Women’s Curling Squad. It will be hard to forget their spirited performances. It is sad to think that the small, garlic producing village they come from is in easy reach of destructive missiles just above the DMZ.

Curling: Silver Medal Winners

Recent news stories have detailed talks between North Korea and South Korea as well as an apparent willingness on the part of the North Koreans to give up their nuclear arms program in exchange for a reduction in the American military presence. The United States has been involved in Korea since 1950. We have helped the South Koreans to become a wealthy nation independent of their former masters in China and Japan. It is time for us to get out, and leave Korea to the Koreans.

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