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 38th 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.
###
