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Korean Plane Incident, September 1983 (1)
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Korean Plane Incident, September 1983 (1)
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Records of the White House Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
Michael Deaver's Subject Files
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual
collections.
Collection: Deaver, Michael
Folder Title: Korean Plane Incident (1)
September 1983
Box: 45
To see more digitized collections
visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories
visit: https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives
Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
rocess
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name DEAVER, MICHAEL: FILES
Withdrawer
SMF 1/15/2009
File Folder
KOREAN PLANE INCIDENT SEPTEMBER 1983 (1)
FOIA
F2002-088
Box Number
8606 OA 10867
EBIN
9tm 3/11/11
5
ID Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
Pages
61590 LIST
AGENDA
surprecess
ND
B1
B3
61591 TALKING
ON KOREAN PLANE
2
ND
B1
B3
POINTS
No of Dc
Pages
No of DL
Pages
The above documents were not referred for declassification review at time of processing
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
United States
Office of the Director
Information
Agency
Washington, D.C. 20547
USIA
September 2, 1981
MEMORANDUM FOR:
All Cabinet Members
FROM:
Charles Z. Wick
mfo
for
SUBJECT
Foreign Media Reaction to the Downing
of the KAL Flight # 007
Attached you will find a synthesis of the foreign media reaction to
the Soviet shoot down of Korean Airlines Flight #007. We will be
distributing these reports daily until further notice.
\
Bill
DISTRIBUTION LIST
The Vice President
The White House
The Honorable
Edwin Meese III
Counselor to the President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
The Honorable
William French Smith
Attorney General
Washington, D.C. 20530
The Honorable
William E. Brock
U.S. Trade Representative
Washington, D.C.
The Honorable
Judge William P. Clark, Jr.
Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
The Honorable
Michael K. Deaver
Deputy Chief of Staff and
Assistant to the President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
The Honorable
Jeane J. Kirkpatrick
U.S. Representative to
United Nations
Washington, D.C.
The Honorable
James A. Baker III
Chief of Staff and
Assistant to the President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
The Honorable
David A. Stockman
Director, OMB
Washington, D.C.
The Honorable
William J. Casey
Director, CIA
Washington, D.C.
The Honorable
George Shultz
Secretary of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
The Honorable
Elizabeth Dole
Secretary of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
The Honorable
Donald P. Hodel
Secretary of Energy
Washington, D.C. 20585
The Honorable
James G. Watt
Secretary of the Interior
Washington, D.C. 20240
The Honorable
Caspar W. Weinberger
Secretary of Defense
Washington, D.C. 20530
The Honorable
John R. Block
Secretary of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
The Honorable
Malcolm Baldrige
Secretary of Commerce
Washington, D.C. 20230
The Honorable
Raymond J. Donovan
Secretary of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20210
The Honorable
Donald T. Regan
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington, D.C. 20220
The Honorable
Margaret M. Heckler
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C. 20201
The Honorable
Samuel R. Pierce, Jr.
Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development
Washington, D.C. 20410
SPECIAL
Foreign Media
REPORT
Reaction
September 2, 1983
DOWNING OF SOUTH KOREAN PASSENGER PLANE BY USSR
Summary
Media around the world reacted with headline expressions of revulsion and
condemnation to the Soviet shooting down of a South Korean passenger plane
and the death of 269 people.
President Reagan's and Secretary of State Shultz's reaction to the incident
received extensive coverage in many capitals.
Typical of West European headlines were "Massacre in the Sky" (London Daily
Mail), "Murder in the Skies" (La Repubblica of Rome) and "Prompt Indigna-
tion From White House" (Le Matin of Paris).
Electronic media in Western Europe led the way with extensive coverage last
night of Secretary of State Shultz's press conference. Some papers carried
his remarks in their entirety on page one. The press conference led some
observers, such as a correspondent for Rome's GR-1 radio and a writer for
Milan's prestigious Corriere della Sera, to characterize the U.S. reaction
as "prudent" and "restrained."
At the same time, commentators and editorial writers in many places saw the
incident as "plunging" East-West relations to their lowest ebb since the
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and even since the Cuban missile crisis.
Some editorial writers saw the incident as "ruining detente" and putting
the arms reduction talks in jeopardy. In Bonn, conservative Die Welt
wondered if "the Kremlin rulers are still seriously interested in an
"
understanding on the problem of arms
Still other observers agreed with the conservative Quotidien de Paris that
"when a nation reaches that extreme" of attacking a passenger plane "it
casts off its mask and shows its true face
that of a barbarous nation."
United States Information Agency
Operation Center 485-8792
WESTERN EUROPE
BRITAIN
"We React With Revulsion"
Headlines in London today said "Shultz Press Conference: 'We React With
Revulsion to This Attack'' (Times), "Reagan Calls in Security Team After
Jet Disaster" and "Moscow Says It Went to Help" (Guardian), "Revulsion at
Attack" (Daily Telegraph), "Shultz Accuses Moscow-- 'We React With Revulsion
to This Attack'' (Financial Times), "Massacre in the Sky" (Daily Mail) and
"Midair Murder by Reds" (Sun).
Shultz Press Conference Dominated Electronic Media
In London, Secretary Shultz's press conference dominated all television and
radio news bulletins last night and this morning. All bulletins broadcast
most, if not all, of the Shultz statement. This morning's news program led
with the report that President Reagan is returning to Washington.
"U.S.-Soviet Relations Set to Plunge to New Low"
The independent London Times front-paged the text of the Shultz press
conference. The paper's lead story said, "Soviet and American leaders were
facing a new crisis today President Reagan is returning to Washington
from holiday in California and President Andropov was believed to have cut
short his holiday to return to Moscow. U.S.-Soviet relations looked set to
plunge to their lowest point since the invasion of Afghanistan."
"Storm Over Plane Will Wreck Hopes of Thaw in Relations"
Conservative Daily Telegraph's lead story said, "Diplomats in Washington
consider that the storm over the airliner's destruction will wreck recent
hopes of a thaw in East-West relations and badly damage the Kremlin's
'peace' campaign.'
In an editorial the same paper said, "The shooting down, confirmed as fact
by the ever cautious and professional Mr. George Shultz, is a crime, simply
and categorically that
"The President and Mr. Shultz should ignore all the temptations of
feebleness. If they wanted proof that in no particular can the Soviets be
trusted to behave like even tangential members of civilization, they have
it."
USIA/P/RM
2
9/2/83
Incident "Sank East-West Relations Into Crisis"
Today's nationalistic Daily Mail said the incident "sank East-West
relations into crisis
Pentagon sources said that the Russians
established that the Korean plane was a civilian airliner and then
deliberately destroyed it
=
In an editorial, the paper said, "The Russians' apparently ruthless
action
should serve as a sharp reminder to those in Britain who never
"
cease harping on the peaceful intentions of the USSR
"It Was Murder on a Grand Scale"
An editorial in the sensationalistic Sun declared, "It was murder and
murder on a grand scale. We must renounce forever the willful theories of
the CND (peace demonstrators) that we can strip ourselves of our defenses
before treating with the Communist empire."
FRANCE
"Comrade Strangelove"
Paris television last night led with the plane incident and Secretary
Shultz's press conference. The story dominated all front pages today.
Headlines said "Comrade Strangelove" (Liberation), "Prompt Indignation from
White House" (Le Matin), "260 Victims (in red ink)" (Quotidien de Paris),
"USSR Owes Explanation -to World" (Figaro), "269 Passengers Assassinated in
Midair" (France-Soir) and "French Government Demands Explanation--U.S.
Quickly Sends Five F-15s to North of Japan" (Communist Humanite).
"Nothing Can Excuse Deliberate Assassination"
Conservative Figaro said, "Nothing can excuse the deliberate assassination
perpetrated in midair
There are ways to reason with a suspect aircraft
and to force it to land. Numerous precedents exist.
"The insolent explanation of the incident furnished by TASS only underlines
the obnoxious character of the crime.
"President Reagan figures the Soviet Union owes an explanation to the
world. We are part of that world
=
"No Apology
Not the Slightest Sensitivity"
Leftist Liberation said, "One will note that the Soviet leaders, more than
24 hours after the plane was shot down, still were not recognizing the
facts, had made no apology to the families of the victims, not the
slightest sensitivity
USIA/P/RM
3
9/2/83
=
"This characterizes the USSR more eloquently than any speeches
"USSR Shows Its True Face"
Conservative Quotidien judged that "Whatever the motives, when a nation
reaches this extreme it casts off its mask and shows its true face, its
profound nature. It shows it is a barbarous nation
ITALY
"Shultz: 'We Are Horrified'"
Headlines included "Grave Charge from Washington--Sudden Crisis in Detente
Process" (Corriere della Sera), "Murder in the Skies--Strangelove at Work.
Shultz: We Are Horrified" (La Repubblica), "Attack Called Deliberate and
Unjustified by Shultz" (Il Giornale), "Russia Accused of Massacre" (Il
Tempo) and "Moscow Talks Only of Intercepting in Its Airspace" (Communist
l'Unita).
"U.S. Is Showing Restraint"
New York correspondent Antonello Marescalchi reported on left-leaning GR-1
radio this morning that the United States "is showing restraint and gives
evidence it does not want to impair the negotiating process."
Milan's centrist Corriere della Sera said in a lead editorial that "even if
the plane had violated Soviet airspace, this is not enough to justify what
happened.
"In these last few hours the hope for a resumption of detente may be
"
completely ruined
"Prudent Stance of U.S. State Department"
New York correspondent Ugo Stille wrote in the same paper, "Shultz's
decision to show up in person in the press room of the State Department is
an indication of the seriousness of the event
"The hawks in Washington are already (at work) to underline that the attack
confirms the impossibility and uselessness of any 'detente' with Moscow.
"But the prudent stance of the State Department aims at preventing
emotional reaction from compromising the negotiating process with the USSR,
"
particularly on disarmament
USIA/P/RM
4
9/2/83
"Strangelove at Work"
Leftist, influential La Repubblica featured an editorial titled "Strange-
love at Work and observed that the incident will have "dire consequences
on East-West relations and particularly on the Geneva negotiations.
"The Secretary of State, in his emotion and concern, has prudently ruled
out direct responsibility of the Soviet Government in the event. But this
caution does not change the terms of the problem. And the problem is the
nature of the order given once and for all to the Soviet military apparatus
and its incomparable inflexibility."
"A Deliberate Mass Murder"
Washington correspondent Marino de Medici wrote in today's conservative Il
Tempo of Rome, "A deliberate mass murder. There is no other word to define
the cold, ruthless order given to the pilot of the Soviet MIG which was in
visual contact with the airplane
"
"Obsession With Security Makes Us Insecure"
Communist l'Unita of Rome asserted that "the downing of the plane on the
basis of ruthless defense of airspace
would be an unjustifiable episode
"The tension and nervousness of the international situation must
have
reached a very high degreee if airspace violations or the loss of an air
route caused such reckless and unexplainable reactions.
"This international tension the obsession with security that becomes a
"
stockpiling of weapons, makes us live in insecurity
WEST GERMANY
"No Use Talking Peace"
Conservative Frankfurter Allgemeine said today, "There is no use talking
peace if one always doubts the basic peacefulness of others and resorts to
"
shooting whenever an aircraft gets off course
"Is Kremlin Still Interested in Understanding on Arms Negotiations?"
An editorial in today's conservative Die Welt of Bonn maintained that "the
coldbloodedness of the crime gives rise to the question whether the Kremlin
rulers still are seriously interested in an understanding on the problem of
arms reduction.
USIA/P/RM
5
9/2/83
"The United States has adequately reacted to this incident, which is one of
the most serious since the Cuban missile crisis. Washington, obviously,
does not preclude serious consequences. Secretary Shultz asked the
ambassadors of NATO countries to discuss the situation with him..."
"Convincing Evidence of Mass Murder"
Pro-Christian Democratic Rheinische Post of Duesseldorf said the incident
was "unprecedented in the history of aviation. There is no excuse for it.
convincing evidence of this mass murder was available last night. It made
the Kremlin rulers speechless for hours."
"Why Has USSR Dropped Mask of Civilized Nation?"
Pro-Christian Democratic Frankfurter Neue Presse observed, "The coincidence
is macabre, but it apparently is not just coincidence: on anti-war day
commemorating the outbreak of World War II, the USSR coldbloodedly shot
down a civilian aircraft carrier with 269 passengers aboard
"The question now is why the USSR dropped its mask of a civilized, peace-
loving big power at such a critical moment of East-West disarmament
negotiations.
"Until the opposite is proved, one can assume only that this was a calcu-
lated act to impress other countries and to make them afraid of Soviet
readiness to fight =
In West Berlin, independent Tagesspiegel held, "The fate of the Korean
was no tragedy caused by a chain of errors, misunderstanding " or
by airliner an act of providence. It was simply caused by human meanness
NORWAY
Moscow Correspondent First Uses, Then Drops U.S. "Allegations"
The shooting down of the South Korean airliner was top story on radio and
TV last night and this morning and received very heavy play in the press
today.
TV news twice last night carried actualities of Secretary Shultz's
statement, plus extensive reports from Washington and Tokyo.
Norwegian radio and TV's Moscow correspodent in his first reports last
night talked about U.S. "allegations," but later dropped the word, focusing
instead on the absence of Soviet media coverage of the incident.
USIA/P/RM
6
9/2/83
"There Is No Excuse for Such an Act"
In electronic media, Prime Minister Kaare Willoch was quoted as saying that
"only the strongest words can be used in our reaction to those responsible
for this."
Foreign Minister Svenn Stray was cited as stating that "if the American
information is correct--and unfortunately there is no reason to doubt it is
correct--the Norwegian Government will condemn what has happened.
"There is no excuse for such an act. This is one of the most serious
violations of all the agreements which have been signed by the USSR. The
Norwegian Government is also concerned over the effect of this matter on
the international situation."
TV news reported that the chairman of the Norwegian Labor Party said:
"This is a grotesque act and a serious attack on accepted principles of
international conduct." Defense Minister Anders C. Sjaastad said, "This is
shocking. There can be absolutely no excuse for shooting down an airliner."
"Entire World Condemns USSR"
Headlines in Oslo today included "U.S. Considers Sanctions" and "Soviet
Union Assumes No Responsbility" and "Kremlin in a Jam, Admits Nothing"
(conservative Aftenposten), "Entire World Condemns USSR," "This Is How It
Happened: Coldblooded Cold Murder," "Norwegian Pilot: Incredible" and
"Controversial U.S Politician Killed" (sensationalist liberal Dagbladet),
"Montrous Act (Labor Party affiliated Arbeiderbladet) and "This Is
Inexcusable" (Christian Peoples Party Vaart Land).
DENMARK
"Deeply Shocked World Vents Fury at Soviet Union"
All Copenhagen dailies, national television and radio gave wide coverage
last night and this morning to the tragedy. Banner headlines described the
world as shocked. Danish television last night led its newscast with a
complete transmission of Secretary Shultz's press conference statement.
Headlines today included "Security Council to Convene--U.S. Strongly
Condemns Brutal Shooting Down" (Berlingske Tidende), "Deeply Shocked World
Vents Fury at Soviet Union. No Explanation Can Excuse Shooting Down of
Passenger Plane" (Aktuelt) and "In Coldblood--269 Civilians Shot to Death
by Russian Missile" (B.T.).
USIA/P/RM
7
9/2/83
"Appalling Tragedy Without Parallel in Times of Peace"
Conservative Berlingske Tidende in a editorial today said, "The shooting
down of the Korean airliner is an appalling tragedy so inhumane that it
appears without parallel in times of peace
Nothing can justify such
behavior and conduct by the Soviet air force
"The Soviet Union's attitude is unjustifiable and it cannot fail to have a
negative effect on recent attempts to build confidence in the strained
relations between East and West."
Conservative Jyllands-Posten quoted Foreign Minister Uffe Ellemann-Jensen
as saying, "It is a very alarming and quite unbelievable incident The
Danish Government deeply regrets the great loss of humman life."
"Russians Committed Tragic and Cruel Deed"
Former Foreign Minister Kjeld Olsen (Social Democrat) was cited by
Ekstra-Bladet: "If the information received so far is correct, then the
Russians have committed a tragic and cruel deed which is completely
unforgivable.
"But this must not make us change attitudes in our opposition to nuclear
armaments. It is mainly a question of survival. Therefore the Social
Democratic Party will not change in its attitude toward missile
deployloyment."
SWEDEN
"Will Throw a Shadow Over INF Talks at Decisive Point"
Extensive coverage was given last night and this morning by Swedish media
to the shooting down of the South Korean plane. Consensus was that this
was an appalling act by the Soviets which will affect relations between the
United States and the USSR.
TV Channel 2's foreign editor said, "The shooting down of an unarmed
airliner is an unparalleled crime. No excuses can be made, even if the
aircraft trespassed into Soviet territory
The shooting down will throw a
shadow over the INF talks which have now reached a decisive point
"The Reagan Adminstration has described the Soviet Union as an irrespon-
sible, power-hungry and threatening state. Advocates of that point of view
will use this incident as evidence of the correctness of their point of
view.
"
USIA/P/RM
8
9/2/83
"International Consequences May Become Serious"
Headlines today included "Swede Among the Passengers," (Svenska Dagbladet)
and "U.S. Raging Against Soviet Union" and "Jumbo Jet Obliterated by
Russian Missile Attack" (Dagens Nyheter).
Conservative Svenska Daglbadet in an editorial today said, "The Soviet
shooting down of the South Korean airliner with 269 people aboard is
shocking.
"International consequences of this tragic incident may become serious
unless the Soviet Union satisfactorily explains how this tragic incident
could have happened."
NETHERLANDS
"A Horrible and Unprecedented Act of Terror"
Conservative Telegraaf in a front-page editorial today said, "The shooting
represents a horrible and unprecedented act of terror and is witness of
an incredible cynicism.
"This Russian crime is not only disgusting, it is also frightening that the
Soviet military system reacts so crudely and violently to something which
clearly did not present any threat."
"Parliamentary Delegation Better Reconsider Its Mission to Moscow"
Leftist Volksrant in an editorial headlined "Baffling" today asked, "What
could for God's sake be the reason for shooting down a non-military
airplane that apparently entered Soviet space because of a navigation
mistake or failure and killing 269 passengers?
"A panic reaction because of the nearby presence of military installations?
A conscious act to demonstrate Russian irresistablilty? Really, there is
no explanation that would fit except the word baffling.
"If Moscow does not offer a plausible and acceptable explanation within a
short time," the paper said, "then the members of the Dutch parliamentary
delegation that was scheduled to visit Moscow on September 9 "better
reconsider their mission to Moscow."
USIA/P/RM
9
9/2/83
LUEXMBOURG
"Unbelievable" Awful! USSR Owes World an Explanation!"
Headlines in Luxembourg today included "On 'Anti-War Day' Korean Civilian
Airliner Shot Down by Soviets" (Christian Social Luxembourger Wort),
"Unbelievable" Awful! USSR Owes the World an Explanation" (Socialist
Tageblatt), "The Terrible Incident" (liberal Journal) and "Stupefaction and
Indignation! Washington Requires Explanation From Moscow" (independent
Republican Lorrain).
Communist Zeitung merely stated that a South Korean Air Lines' Boeing had
disappeared. The paper accused Washington of stirring up anti-Soviet
propaganda "by telling the world lies about Soviet involvement in the
incident.'
SWITZERLAND
"Very Worst Thing Soviets Could Have Done"
Conservative Journal de Geneve today held that "even if the airliner had
entered Soviet airspace deliberately for spying purposes, it is hard to
believe that the higher Soviet military echelons could have coldbloodedly
ordered it shot down.
"That would have been the very worst thing the Soviets could have done at a
time when they are trying to polish their image
as a peace-loving power. "
"No Justification for This Brutal Act"
Bern's middle-of-the-road Der Bund said, "Many aspects of this affair
remain a mystery for the moment Be that as it may, there is no
"
justification for such a brutal act against a civil aircraft
BELGIUM
"Deliberate Criminal Act"
Independent Le Soir of Brussels today said it was "a deliberate criminal
act. It is hard to see the interest that the Kremlin would have in causing
a
dangerous deterioration of the international situation at a time when
there is every indication that it is engaged with the Americans in a
diplomatic action aimed at improving this situation."
USIA/P/RM
10
9/2/83
"Premeditated Murder"
Labor-oriented La Cite of Brussels declared the incident was "a premedita-
ted murder for which there could not be any excuse
=
AUSTRIA
"Tension Is the Cause of It"
In Vienna today, prestigious Die Presse judged, "Tension in East-West
relations will not only be a consquence of this unfortunate event. Tension
is also the cause of it.
"The readiness to help as shown by Soviet search parties is an ironic twist
from people with a guilty conscience."
SPAIN
"Paranoid Soviet Preoccupation With Security"
Barcelona's conservative Vanguardia said in an editorial, "What is
difficult to understand is why they shot down a defenseless commercial
airplane that was not carrying out any kind of military or espionage
mission.
"The only way to explain this dangerous incident is the strange and perhaps
paranoid Soviet preoccupation with security."
SOVIET UNION
Pravda: "Soviet Fighters Attempted to Help"
In Moscow today, Pravda, on page five in a two-paragraph item headed "TASS
Report" maintained that "Soviet fighters which went to meet the infringing
plane, attempted to help it withdraw to a nearby airfield. The infringing
plane, however, did not respond to the signals and warnings of Soviet
fighters and continued its flight in the direction of the Sea of Japan."
USIA/P/RM
11
9/2/83
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
"Violation of Soviet Airspace"
A Czechoslovak news agency report in today's Communist Party Rude Pravo was
headed "Violation of Soviet Airspace" and said the plane "of undetermined
registration, flying without navigation lights over Kamchatka Peninsula
toward the Sea of Japan, did not establish radio contact with the radio
engineering service and failed to react to Soviet anti-aircraft defense
efforts to give it assistance and guide it to the nearest airport."
The account did not mention that the plane was shot down.
EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
JAPAN
"U.S. Has Reacted Strongly"
Tokyo's NHK, TBS and Fuji television networks gave extensive coverage to
the Soviet air attack with some networks carrying special programs. All
networks focused attention on the Shultz news conference, and judged that
the United States "reacted strongly" to the downing of the plane.
The Attack Will Affect U.S. Soviet Relations
Fuji television said the incident could adversely affect U.S.-Soviet
relations and the nuclear disarmament talks in Geneva.
An NHK correspondent said the incident was expected to cool U.S.-Soviet
relations with Congress calling for a firm stand against the Soviet Union.
However, he added the view that the United States is not expected to take
strong action against the Soviets.
Japan Will Demand Frank and Sincere Response from Soviet Union
All networks reported that Chief Cabinet Secretary Gotoda told a news
conference that the Japanese Government came to the conclusion that the KAL
plane was shot down by missile fire from a Soviet fighter and that Japan
would demand a frank and sincere response from the Soviet Union.
USIA/P/RM
12
9/2/83
Press Treatment
All major Tokyo dailies ran bold headlines today saying, "Soviets Shoot
Down KAL Plane. = Highlights of the Shultz news conference were carried.
"Incident May Have Serious Effect on Far East"
Today's moderate Yomiuri wrote, "Since there were many Japanese passengers
on the plane, it is inevitable for the Japanese Government, like the United
States, to strongly criticize the Soviet Union.
"There is concern that the incident will have a serious effect on the
military and political situation in the Far East, including South Korea
which is a direct victim."
"Japan Will Take a Strong Stand"
Liberal Asahi today declared, "The Government will take a strong stand,
even if the Soviets contend that the shooting down of the KAL plane was
justified in view of the violation of Soviet airspace, because there is no
reason to justify the shooting down of an unarmed passenger plane."
"There Should Have Been Other Countermeasures"
An editorial in conservative Sankei today held that "it is easy to
recognize the KAL plane as a commercial airliner, and, in considering the
large number of passngers aboard, there should have been other counter-
=
measures.
Financial Nihon Keizai said in an editorial, "Even if the airliner erred in
its course, the Soviet response is impermissible from the humanitarian
point of view."
SOUTH KOREA
Limited Available Treatment
South Korean editorial reaction to the incident was unavailable this
morning.
The national YONHAP News Agency reported today that "Foreign Minister Yi
Pom-Sok today discussed with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Richard Walker
possible joint sanctions against the Soviet Union in response to a Soviet
jet's air attack which downed (the KAL) plane
"
USIA/P/RM
13
9/2/83
PHILIPPINES
Major Treatment
Manila's Bulletin Today, Daily Express, and Metro Manila Times lead stories
reported on the plane incident. The first named paper cited Pentagon
sources and Secretary Shultz as saying that the plane had been downed by a
Soviet missile-firing jet.
HONG KONG
"An Indescribably Horrible Act"
Today's center-right Sing Tao Jih Pao condemend the downing of the plane as
"an indescribably horrible and inhuman act of violence." It believed that
U.S.-Soviet confrontation would probably become "volcanically explosive"
and that the situation on the Korean peninsula would heat up.
The paper went on to state that "for the moment Moscow's designs on this
are still not known--probably U.S. Congressman McDonald was carrying with
him some documents concerning the U.S.-South Korean joint defense pact,
which the Soviet Union is eager to read
"It would be too feeble for the United States to raise the issue before the
U.N. Security Council for debate
Much more forceful than appealing to
the U.N. (would be) to apply embargo sanctions such as tearing up the
newly-concluded five-year grain pact."
"The Soviets' Brutal State of Mind"
Today's independent Ming Pao contended that "this barbarous act of the
Soviets without regard for human lives has exposed their coldblooded brutal
state of mind
"
Pro-China Paper: "Soviets Should Not Fire Missiles"
Hong Kong's pro-PRC Ta Kung Pao in an editorial today wrote : "The
unscrupulous action of the Soviet Union can hardly escape world-wide
condemnation
"Even if the airliner had strayed from its route, it was only a mistaken
entry into Soviet airspace. At the most, the Soviet jets could only issue
warnings or force it to land. They definitely should not fire missiles.
This incident will let the world recognize the reality of stepped-up
military expansion."
USIA/P/RM
14
9/2/83
"This Act Should Be Condemned"
Today's pro-PRC Wen Wei Po stated that "an attack on a commercial airliner,
no matter what excuses are offered, violates international law and prac-
tice. And a peremptory attitude toward the peaceful movement of peoples
should be condemned by international public opinion."
MALAYSIA
Heavy Media Play Reflects Shock and Anger
A typical frontpage headline in today's Kuala Lumpur papers was "Jumbo Jet
Shot Down by Soviets" (conservative New Straits Times). Coverage reflected
shock and anger at the downing of the plane.
AUSTRALIA
Extensive Electronic Media Coverage
National radio and television reported that the plane had been shot down
and that some passengers were Australian, as well as American. Mid-morning
television news ran satellite reports from around the world indicating
revulsion of such an act. President Reagan's and Secretary Shultz's
statements were carried in full.
"All Civilized Nations Must Press for Clarification"
Today's Melbourne Herald ran a report from various sources and correspond-
ents headed "Horrifying Act--Angry Reagan.' A second report headlined
"We're Appalled: Hawke" carried Prime Minister Hawke's statement on the
incident. Another report in the paper was titled "Pine Gap Heard
Soviets--Hayden Calls on Envoy for Explanation."
The paper said in an editorial that "all civilized nations must press for
clarification of the circumstances. Even in a world of brinkmanship, this
was more than a routine affair. Its consequences could still be most
dangerous.
"World opinion will demand that Russia's world of secrecy be breached."
USIA/P/RM
15
9/2/83
"USSR Was Within Its Rights"
Today's independent Canberra Times carried a locally written piece headed
"USSR Within Its Rights Under Law." The story reportedly said this was not
the first time that a South Korean aircraft had strayed over Soviet terri-
tory and concluded that the Soviets had "the right to be even more
suspicious of an airline which seems to make a habit of it."
THAILAND
"Outrage: World Condemns Russia for Shooting Down Jet"
Bangkok's three major English-language papers today carried prominent
front-page accounts of the Soviet destruction of the KAL jet. The Bangkok
World's headline read "Outrage: World Condemns Russia for Shooting Down
Jet."
The papers included wire service reports of Secretary Shultz's statement
and the TASS explanation.
CHINA
"Shock, Regret" Expressed Over Plane Incident
Agence France Presse reported from Beijing that "China today condemned the
destruction of the (KAL jet) .... 'We express our shock and regret at this
incident,' the Foreign Ministry's information department said
"Earlier, the official New China News Agency ran a lengthy and detailed
account of U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz's news conference in
Washington in which he accused Moscow of committing 'an appalling act.
SOUTH ASIA
INDIA
"U.S. Alleges Russian Missile Attack"
All media today prominently carried reports on the Soviet attack, high-
lighting President Reagan's and Secretary of State Shultz's reaction.
There was no immediate editorial comment.
USIA/P/RM
16
9/2/83
Sample headlines were "South Korean Plane With 269 Shot Down by Soviets:
Sharp Reaction by-U.S" (largest-circulation Indian Express), "South Korean
Boeing With 269 Aboard Shot Down Over Russia" (respected Statesman) and
"U.S. Alleges Russian Missile Attack: South Korean Jet With 269 Aboard
Shot Down" (influential Times of India).
SRI LANKA
Wire Service Coverage
All leading Colombo papers, both English and vernacular, and the
Government-owned radio prominently carried wire service reports today
including a Reuter dispatch from Washington covering the Shultz news
conference yesterday.
BANGLADESH
"Soviet Pilot Admits Firing Missile"
Today's independent Ittefaq of Dhaka reported the plane incident under the
six-column head "Soviet MIGs Killed 269 Passsengers of a Korean Aircraft."
The Government-controlled Bangladesh Observer headlined "South Korean Plane
Shot Down: Soviet Pilot Admits Firing Missile."
The latter paper quoted extensively from the Secretary of State's news
conference citing the Voice of America as its source.
MIDDLE EAST
ISRAEL
News Reports But No Comment
All media today front-paged without comment statements by President Reagan
and Secretary Shultz, terming the act as a "barbaric crime.".
USIA/P/RM
17
9/2/83
JORDAN
Prominent News Attention
Amman media this morning gave major coverage to wire service reports on the
KAL incident.
AFRICA
KENYA
Early Wire Reports
All three Nairobi dailies today carried news items on the downing of the
plane based on early wire service reports. The independent Nation headed
an AP report "Soviet Jet Shoots Down Korean Plane." The independent
Standard headlined a Reuters report "Airliner Was 'Shot Down.'
LESOTHO
Radio Coverage of Reagan, Shultz Statements
Radio Lesotho this morning ran President Reagan's and Secretary Shultz's
reactions to the Soviet shooting down of the South Korean passenger plane.
LIBERIA
"A Reckless and Barbaric Act"
Monrovia's Observer today reported that President Reagan had demanded
n"immediate and full explanation" of the incident. It also cited
Secretary Shultz's reaction.
In an editorial headed "A Reckless and Barbaric Act," the paper stressed
that the "frightening" incident raised serious questions about commercial
air travel, adding that the attention of the International Civil Aviation
Organization should be drawn to danger zones such as those peppered with
Soviet missiles and other "sensitive military" installations SO that new
routes may be located.
USIA/P/RM
18
9/2/83
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 2, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO:
ED MEESE
JIM BAKER
MIKE DEAVER
BILL CLARK
FROM:
KEN DUBERSTEIN K&D: Ke
SUBJECT:
Congressional response to Korean plane incident
Attached are a small selection of letters and reports on
telephone conversations received in the last 24 hours from
members of Congress in the Korean plane incident.
I think you will find these of interest. The volume of
calls has been quite high.
Attachment
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20515
BILL FRENZEL
THIRD DISTRICT
MINNESOTA
September 2, 1983
The Honorable Ronald Reagan
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
The outrageous slaughter of Korean Airline passengers by
USSR war planes demands a response. However, may I
respectfully suggest that the U.S. not engage in unilateral
embargoes. The record indicates that embargoes have
invariably hurt us worse than the intended targets.
I also believe that multilateral embargoes are not an
effective response. There ought to be a better way. But,
if we have to hurt ourselves to show our displeasure, we
ought to hurt ourselves no more than our allies. A
collective response, as broadly based as possible, is
preferred.
Finally, I hope the Nuclear Arms Reduction talks will not
be affected. However great our disgust over the Korean
incident, and our distrust of the regime which perpetrated
it, those talks are too important to us and to the world
to be slowed down in any way.
Thank you for your consideration of these matters.
Yours very truly,
Bielford
Bill Frenzel
Member of Congress
BF:mjn
CC: The Honorable Bob Michel, Trent Lott, Jack Kemp,
Jack Edwards, Lynn Martin, Barber Conable, Silvio Conte
COMMITTEES:
DENNY SMITH
INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS
5TH DISTRICT, OREGON
VETERANS' AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON ADDRESS:
1213 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
(202) 225-5711
Congress of the United States
SALEM ADDRESS:
House of Representatives
4035 12TH S.E. #20
P.O. Box 13089
SALEM, OREGON 97309
Mashington, D.C. 20515
(503) 399-5756
September 2, 1983
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
You are undoubtedly as shocked and appalled as I am over
the Soviet attack upon Korean Airlines Flight 007.
As a former fighter pilot for the U. S. Air Force and a
commercial pilot for Pan Am who regularly flew the Anchorage
to Tokyo route, I can say without hesitation that this Soviet
action was a vicious and inexcusable act of premeditated murder.
There is absolutely no excuse for the shooting down of a
defenseless passenger jet. This entire incident only clarifies
for the American people a Soviet philosophy typified by a total
disregard for human life and dignity. Truly, the Soviet Union
stands before the entire world as a country without honor.
Mr. President, I must request of you once again as I did
aboard Air Force One this spring that any actions taken by the
United States government in response to this heinous crime be
linked to one absolutely necessary measure. We must begin a
comprehensive release of classified photographs and information
to the American public demonstrating the massive military threat
posed to world freedom by the Soviet Union. Only then can we,
our nation's leaders, work to revive the consensus necessary among
the American people for the rebuilding of a national defense that
will ensure our freedom and way of life.
Best Denny personal Smith Smith regards
Number of Congress
DS:jdh
PETE V. DOMENICI
NEW MEXICO
United States Senate
WASHINGTON, D. C.
1668₫1
September 1, 1983
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I urge you to instruct your Ambassador to the United Nations, the Honorable
Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, request an immediate meeting of the Security Council to
consider the unprovoked attack by the Soviet Union on an unarmed civilian
aircraft of Korean Airlines.
The Soviet Union must be forced to explain this departure from civilized
behavior before an international forum in full public view. It is appropriate
that the United Nations serve as this forum. I hope that through your efforts
the United Nations can meet this Soviet challenge to the law of nations. If
not, the hopes for peace raised by the UN Charter will be betrayed.
There have been too many violations in recent years of the rights of
innocent passage by international commerce. Other civilian airliners have
been fired upon or destroyed in several areas of the world. This is the second
time a Korean airliner has been shot at for straying into Soviet airspace. The
first, in 1978, resulted in two persons killed and 110 persons injured.
The Soviet Union has a long record of such violations. As one of the
major powers, it has a special responsibility to uphold international law and
to set an example for other nations. The Soviets must be held accountable.
The loss of Congressman Larry McDonald is particularly tragic, but all of
the innocent lives lost as a result of a callous Soviet decision last night
must be accounted for before the Security Council and elsewhere. Through your
effective representation on this matter, future travelers may be more secure.
With warm personal regards.
Bitt Pete V. Domenici
Sincerely,
United States Senator
#161356
#
37
KD
1-016418C244 09/01/83
ICS IPMUAWA WSH
11022 GOVT BUWASHINGTON DC 50 09-01 616P EDT
PMS THE PRESIDENT
WHITE HOUSE DC
DEAR MR PRESIDENT:
WITH REGARD TO THE TRAGIC KOREAN AIRLINE INCIDENT, I
RESPECTFULLY REQUEST A PROMPT CONVENING OF THE UNITED NATIONS
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT VIOLATIONS
OF INTERNATIONAL LAW BY THE SOVIET UNION, RESULTING IN THE
DEATHS OF 269 PASSENGERS BE BROUGHT TO THIS INTERNATIONAL
FORUM. SINCERELY.
BENJAMIN A GILMAN MEMBER OF CONGRESS
NEWT GINGRICH
SUITE 5, PHOENIX CENTER
SIXTH DISTRICT, GEORGIA
1657 PHOENIX BOULEVARD
COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA 30349
(404) 221-3854
COMMITTEES:
PUBLIC WORKS AND
POST OFFICE Box 848
TRANSPORTATION
GRIFFIN FEDERAL BUILDING
HOUSE ADMINISTRATION
GRIFFIN, GEORGIA 30224
(404) 228-0389
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
1005 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BLDG.
Congress of the United States
CARROLL COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CARROLLTON, GEORGIA 30117
WASHINGTON D.C. 20515
(404) 834-6398
(202) 225-4501
House of Representatives
COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
September 1, 1983
22 EAST BROAD STREET
NEWNAN, GEORGIA 30263
(404) 253-8355
President Ronald Reagan
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
The apparently deliberate murder of 269 human beings, including
Congressman Larry McDonald, should remind all of us of the nature of
Soviet dictatorship.
There was apparently enough time for this decision to murder
innocent civilians to be made at the very highest levels in Moscow.
Civilization cannot survive when acts of barbarism become accepta-
ble. If the leaders of the Soviet Union want to be treated as civi-
lized men they must take four steps:
1. Publicly identify and punish the officials responsible for
these murders.
2. Apologize to every nation which had citizens aboard the
airplane that was shot down.
3. Pay compensation for both the loss and personal tragedy to
each family whose loved one was murdered by the Soviet Union.
4. Issue public orders to Soviet armed forces that in future
incidents in which unarmed civilian airliners penetrate
Soviet airspace, the civilian lives will be protected by
ordering the aircraft to land for inspection, but without
shooting it down.
Mr. President, free citizens cannot coexist with barbarians
unless the barbarians agree to obey international law. If we are to
have detente we must have Soviet commitment to the rules of law.
This incident is a tragedy to Congressman McDonald's family,
but reminds all of us that the Soviet Union is potentially a threat
to every free family on the planet.
Went Newt Gingrich
Respectfully,
NG/hs
C. Pontro
1-009210C244 09/01/83
83SEP / Pl:41
ICS IPMUAWA WSH
11008 GOVT DUWASHINGTON DC 75 09-01 131P EDT
PMS THE PRESIDENT
WHITE HOUSE DC
THE GRAVITY OF THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE SOVIET GOVERNMENT
AGAINST AN UNARMED, COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT CANNOT BE OVERSTATED.
BECAUSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONSEQUENCES AND MULTI-NATIONAL
DIMENSION OF THESE ACTIONS AND SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENTS, t AM
CALLING ONTHE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
TO IMMEDIATELY CONVENE AN EMERGENCY SESSION OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY TO SEEK CENSURE OF THE SOVIET ACTION AND TO TAKE
OTHER APPROPRIATE ACTION. I URGE YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS
EFFORT. SINCERELY.
HAL DAUB MEMBER OF CONGRESS
1408 LONGWORTH BUILDING
BILL PATMAN
1408 LONGWORTH BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
14TH DISTRICT, TEXAS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-2831
(202) 225-2831
P.O. DRAWER A
P.O. DRAWER A
Congress of tije United States
GANADO, TEXAS 77962
GANADO, TEXAS 77962
(512) 771-3303
(512) 771-3303
house of Representatives
Hashington, B.C. 20515
September 1, 1983
ber 1, 1983
Ms. Charlotte Ponticelli
Director
Congressional Correspondence
East Wing, The White House
Washington, D.C.
I am issuing
se you:
Dear Ms. Ponticelli:
any other
In accordance with my assistant's
regardless
telephone conversation with you earlier
warning.
today, I am conveying herewith a message
to the President for communication,
Russia for
via Telex or otherwise, at the earliest
hundreds
opportunity.
Thank you very much for your splendid
closing of
help in this important matter.
: : the Russian
= recall of
With best regards.
T and consular
Sincerely,
Vin Patum
S appropriate
Congress has
WNP:jf
epartment
on for the widow
d of Georgia,
f any other
S
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 2, 1983
CALLS RECEIVED THRUSDAY, 9/1/83
RE: KOREAN FLIGHT 7
Charlie Stenholm (D-Texas) : It's unbelievable. We need to
do something.
Newt Gingrich (R-Georgia) : The President should call McDonald's
wife. Also see attached letter.
Jack Fields (R-Texas) : What are the facts? Don't know what to
say. How could this happen?
Trent Lott (R-Mississippi) : Leaning toward marine pull out in
Lebanon. Has Tuesday meeting with Begin. Needs briefing
before departure. Wants to know if Congress is coming
back early.
Dan Mica (D-Florida) : Opposes military action but would like to
see much stronger action than a simple protest and slap on
the wrist.
Henry Hyde (R-Illinois) : Wait for a response from the Soviets,
let the U.N. Try to justify its existence, which it won't,
then impose tough economic sanctions.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 3, 1983
MEETING WITH BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
DATE:
Sunday, September 4, 1983
LOCATION: The Cabinet Room
TIME:
10:00 a.m. (90 minutes)
FROM:
KENNETH M. DUBERSTEIN Ker D. D.
I. PURPOSE
To brief and discuss with the key bipartisan congressional
leadership foreign policy/national security developments in
two areas: the Korean airliner incident and the situation
in Lebanon.
II. BACKGROUND
There will be a pre-meeting briefing at 9:30 a.m. in the
Oval Office.
This meeting affords the opportunity to brief the leadership
on the current situation with respect to the Soviet's shooting
down of the Korean airliner and the involvement of U. S. troops
in Lebanon.
With respect to the Korean airliner incident, the President met
with the National Security Planning Group on September 2 to
discuss this incident and possible international responses.
With respect to Lebanon, Congress has become increasingly
concerned about the presence of U. S. troops in Lebanon.
Bud McFarlane has returned from the region and will provide
an up-to-date briefing on the situation. Calls have been made
by some members of Congress for the President to report to
Congress under Section 4 (a) (1) of the War Powers Resolution.
That provision would require reporting to Congress because
U. S. forces are involved in or face "imminent hostilities."
Subsequent to such a report, U. S. forces would have to be
withdrawn within 60 days unless Congress specifically enacts
legislation allowing them to remain.
- 2 -
On August 30th, the President provided a report to Congress
on the situation in Lebanon stating that the report was con-
sistent with Section 4 of the War Powers Resolution, while
specifically avoiding mention of Section 4 (a) (1).
Senator Baker and others believe that pressure will quickly
build in Congress for a vote on allowing continued deployment
of U. S. forces in Lebanon. This could lead to an Executive-
Legislative confrontation over the constitutionality of
Section 4 (a) (1) and this will in all likelihood be a subject
of discussion at this meeting.
III. PARTICIPANTS
See Attachment A
IV: PRESS PLAN
White House photographer and press pool photographers at beginning.
V; SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
See Attachment B
Attachments: List of Participants (A)
Sequence of Events (B)
Talking Points (C)
ATTACHMENT A
*BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
PARTICIPANTS
The President
The Vice President
Secretary of State, George Shultz
Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger
Attorney General, William French Smith
Director of CIA, Bill Casey
Director of OMB, Dave Stockman
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, John Vessey
Ambassador Robert McFarlane
SENATE
Howard Baker, Majority Leader of the Senate
Robert Byrd, Minority Leader of the Senate
Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of Senate
HOUSE
Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill, Speaker of the House
Jim Wright, Majority Leader of the House
Bob Michel, Republican Leader of the House
STAFF
Ed Meese
Jim Baker
Mike Deaver
Bill Clark
Ken Duberstein
Dave Gergen
Larry Speakes
Dick Darman
Fred Fielding
Pam Turner
*Principals only - no substitutes
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
The
Collection Name
Withdrawer
Free
DEAVER, MICHAEL: FILES
SMF 1/15/2009
B-21
E1-7
File Folder
FOIA
B.B
B-9
KOREAN PLANE INCIDENT SEPTEMBER 1983 (1)
F2002-088
EBIN
Box Number
8606
5
ID
Document Type
No of Doc Date
Restric-
pages
tions
Document Description
0(
B.1
61590 LIST
1
ND
B1
B3
AGENDA
The above documents were not referred for declassification review at time of processing
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name
Withdrawer
DEAVER, MICHAEL: FILES
SMF 1/15/2009
girth
wells
((b)(9)
of
File Folder
FOIA
KOREAN PLANE INCIDENT SEPTEMBER 1983 (1)
F2002-088
EBIN
Box Number
8606
5
ID
Document Type
No of Doc Date Restric-
pages
tions
Document Description
61591 TALKING POINTS
2
ND
B1
B3
ON KOREAN PLANE
2
The above documents were not referred for declassification review at time of processing
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
TALKING POINTS ON LEBANON
NOW let us turn to another sensitive matter, the situation
in Lebanon. We recognize that this may not be as sensational
or dramatic as the Korean plane incident but vital U.S.
interests are at stake. We are at a critical point in
trying to help re-establish peace in that troubled, but
important, area. For the U.S. to turn tail at this juncture
would be a grave mistake.
Our objectives in Lebanon, ever since the fighting ended
last summer, have been to help the Lebanese re-establish
their independence, regain control over their territory,
and bring about the departure of all foreign forces --
while achieving security for Israel's northern border.
Syria, egged on by the Soviets, is trying to stir up
animosities among the various Lebanese communities, and
undermine the Gemayel government.
Bud McFarlane has just returned from the region and I want h
to brief you on the current situation and outlook.
(Bud McFarlane makes remarks)
Want to ask for your views on this situation.
- 2 -
---
We need broad bipartisan support for our efforts in
Lebanon. Know there is concern in the Congress about
the Marine presence in Lebanon and the casualties last
week.
-----
I'd like your thinking on how to ensure the support we
need to help bring peace to that vital region.
(FYI, Mr. President look first to Howard Baker
for response)