Memorandum from Anneli Puura, 'Visit by the Acting Counsellor of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with State Secretary Tuovinen'

MEMORANDUM

CONFIDENTIAL

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS                         
Political Department No. 662

AP/EM

11.18.1976

VISIT BY THE ACTING COUNSELOR OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA WITH STATE SECRETARY TUOVINEN 

The Acting Counsellor of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Pak Ge Ryol, at his own request, paid a visit to Secretary of State Tuovinen on 11.18.1976. Interpreter was Won Ui Nam who studies in Helsinki.

At first, Pak Ge Ryol [sic] brought up the question of the reunification of Korea, which should happen peacefully and without outside interference. Unlike South Korea that supports UN membership for the two Koreas, the DPRK supports the membership of a unified Korea.

Tuovinen said that Finland supports the right of people to self-determination. Korea’s membership in the UN on the other hand depends on the Security Council.

Pak Ge Ryol disapproved of the article published in Helsingin Sanomat on 11.3.1976, and another article published in Hymy which he deemed to have presented untruthful information about North Koreans. He perceived such writing as harmful to state relations and asked the Secretary of State to halt the publishing of a similar article in December issue of Hymy.

Tuovinen pointed out that it is not possible for the Foreign Ministry to prevent such writing. On the other hand, sensational journalism is unlikely to affect the relationship between Finland and other countries.

[signature]

Anneli Puura

Temporary Assistant

Distribution:        
Foreign Minister
Secretary of State
Undersecretaries of State
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