April 4, 1974
Report of Meeting with the Soviet Diplomat (Summary)
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Report of Meeting with the Soviet Diplomat (Summary)
1. Contact Person(s):
Third Secretary Kim Yonggyu at the Korean Embassy in Australia
First Secretary Stepanenko at the Soviet Embassy in Australia
2. Contact Date:
April 4th, 1974
3. Contact Background:
At the diplomatic corps luncheon, Secretary Kim met with the Soviet diplomat. We exchanged information, including some publications, afterwards. Following these gestures, the First Secretary of the Soviet Embassy invited Secretary Kim to a luncheon.
4. Meeting Details:
Secretary Kim: North Korea is currently taking a pro-Communist China policy. What is your opinion on this?
Soviet Official: It is indeed true that North Korea is pro-China.
Secretary Kim: Are you aware of the accident in the Yellow Sea where a South Korean fishing boat was bombarded and kidnapped by a North Korean naval vessel a couple months ago?
Soviet Official: I am aware of the incident. I am not sure why North Korea undertook such a provocative action.
Secretary Kim: Communist China is your enemy and North Korea is taking a pro-China policy line. In terms of restraining Communist China and North Korea, would you not consider improving your relationship with [South] Korea as important? Our country is importing a substantial amount of resources from overseas. We could consider importing from your country as well. What do you think about formally discussing trade by inviting our businessmen [to your country]?
Soviet Official: I believe it is logical and preferable to promote mutual understanding through trade relationships before we move on to building diplomatic relationship. I believe it is imperative to have trade relations between the two countries (it should be done). I fully agree with your opinion.
Soviet Official: What is your current relationship with Communist China?
Secretary Kim: We do not have a relationship yet.
Soviet Official: The Americans are strengthening their naval force despite opposition from adjacent countries in Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean. What do you believe is their purpose?
Secretary Kim: I believe it is to restrain your naval power. Didn’t the Soviet [Union] increase its naval power in the Indian Ocean? Do you think the U.S. will stand and watch?
Soviet Official: It is true that we have increased our naval power in the Indian Ocean. Since I believe the U.S. has stronger naval power, I do not believe the action was mainly targeted to restrain our navy. I believe it is a measure to secure oil in the Arabian states.
Secretary Kim: I would like to know about international sports competitions or international academic seminars planned for this year in your country. If possible, we would like to participate as well.
Soviet Official: I will take a look [at the list]. I believe we have exchanged a lot of great ideas. I would like to meet again in the future and exchange ideas.
Secretary Kim: I agree. Please send an invitation to our ambassador on your national holidays [events].
Soviet Official: Very well. Please continue to send us the information.
Secretary Kim of the South Korean Embassy in Australia meets with the Secretary of the Soviet Embassy in Australia to discuss China, North Korea, the U.S. naval force, and the possibility of trade and cultural exchange between the Soviet Union and South Korea.
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