North and South Korean Red Cross organizations meet to undertake the reunion of separated families. Although the event is a step toward unification, UNCURK is doubtful that the North-South relationship will improve.

The ROK government is anxious about the Nixon-Zhou Enlai meeting.Their anxiety stems from the US military disengagement in the ROK, Zhou's four-point program, and the potential for communist China to sway UN votes on the Korean question.

Kuzbari reports that Nixon's visit to Beijing and shift in power in East Asia creates instability for ROK government.

A UN Command officer suggests future ROK and DPRK talks should be conducted directly. The ROK government, anxious to maintain US and UN military presence in ROK, criticizes the statement.

Park Chung Hee reshuffles his Cabinet and is possibly preparing newly appointed Prime Minister Kim Jong Pil as his possible successor. Additionally, after criticisms from the opposition party, Park continues to relax laws against socialist countries.

In connection with the upcoming election, UNCURK observed a disinterest of voters for the National Assembly campaigns and a general dislike of the 'horse trading' of seat distribution. Additionally, the opposition NDP will have difficulties gaining seats because of the fragmentation of the party.

UNCURK members meet with Kim Dae Jung, who states his key issues for the election: ROK democracy, corruption within intelligence collection, suppression of opposition parties by the ruling party, and unification. UNCURK member observe that Kim's party is weak because of party factionalism. Additionally, President Park Chung Hee announces his run for third term and emphasizes economic and political stability.

The ROK-US airlift military exercise "Freedom Vault" raises tensions with North Korean. The timing of the exercise may also bolster the current administration's prospect for reelection. Additionally, ROK troops are replacing US troops in the DMZ.

With the withdrawal of US forces, ROK forces will assume full responsibility for the DMZ, with exception of Panmunjom. Additionally, the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections will have a strong effect on the political stability of ROK.

Upon concluding the discussions on the reduction of US troops, Park Chung Hee announces that, with the exception of Panmunjom, ROK forces will be responsible for the DMZ.