INFORMATION ON U.S.-JAPAN 2-PLUS-2 CONVEYED TO ROKG

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 001497 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/21/2014 TAGS: PREL MARR JA KS SUBJECT: INFORMATION ON U.S.-JAPAN 2-PLUS-2 CONVEYED TO ROKG REF: STATE 69287 Classified By: PolMil Chief Sung Kim. Reasons 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. ¶2. (C) On May 3, PolMil Chief conveyed reftel information on USFJ realignment to MOFAT NAD III Director Min Kyong-ho. Expressing great appreciation for the information, Min undertook to study and share the results of the May 1 U.S.-Japan SCC meeting with relevant ministries in the ROKG. In a brief preliminary observation, Min asked about the significance of the relocation of the 1st Army Corps HQ to Camp Zama and about changes, if any, in the role of USFJ or the U.S.-Japan alliance in any contingencies on the Peninsula. Emphasizing the ROKG's keen interest in any significant developments in the U.S.-Japan alliance, Min requested an even more detailed briefing either in Washington or here. While welcoming the opportunity to engage DUSD Richard Lawless during the upcoming Security Policy Initiative Talks, Min indicated that MOFAT also would appreciate a more detailed briefing through diplomatic channels. ¶3. (C) Action request: Given the ROK's keen interest, we recommend a fuller briefing as appropriate for the ROK Embassy in Washington. MINTON