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September 24, 1977

Telegram 066738 from the Romanian Embassy in Pyongyang to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This document was made possible with support from ROK Ministry of Unification

TELEGRAM  066738

To: the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

From: the Romanian Embassy in Pyongyang

Date: September 24, 1977

Classification: Secret

 

During a discussion with Ambassador Dumitru Popa on September 22, the North Korean Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ri Jong-mok recounted that Vice Premier Heo Dam is to head for New York in a few days to participate at a meeting with Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Non-Aligned countries.

 

We inform that the diplomatic corps in Pyongyang – East German, Hungarian, Polish, and Czechoslovak diplomats – have commented, during discussions with Romanian diplomats, on the possibility that Heo Dam’s visit may, among others, aim to counter the intense activity of the South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs, who has been in New York for several days.

 

Many diplomats have particularly noticed the commentary of a Japanese radio station, according to which Heo Dam is the first Korean Premier to receive an entry visa to the US. It is assumed that such a gesture on behalf of US authorities represents a change in the American position towards the DPRK.

 

Our Embassy believes there is no conclusive evidence of this alleged change.

 

Signed: D. Popa

The Romanian Embassy in Pyongyang reports to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Heo Dam's planned visit to New York, possibly to counter South Korea's diplomatic efforts there. It also notes speculation on a change in US position towards the DPRK, which the Romanian Embassy finds unfounded.


Document Information

Source

Archive of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Folder 933/1977, Issue 220/H: Partial US troop withdrawal from South Korea – Discussions regarding the reunification of the two countries, January – October 1977. Obtained and translated for NKIDP by Eliza Gheorghe.

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Original Uploaded Date

2012-08-13

Type

Telegram

Language

Record ID

114879

Original Classification

Secret

Donors

ROK Ministry of Unification and Leon Levy Foundation