Kissinger gives pledge to Asia

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33874, 20 June 1975, Page 13

Kissinger gives pledge to Asia

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

NEW YORK, June 19.

The American Secretary of State (Dr Henry Kissinger) has given a pledge that the United States will not turn away from Asia as a result of its recent defeats in Indo-China.

In a speech in New York to the Japan Society, a civic group, Dr Kissinger reaffirmed American commitments to the security and prosperity of Japan and to the United States’ other allies in Asia.

“The role of Asia is potentially decisive for the solution of the contcmporary agenda of peace and progress, and for the quality of life,” Dr Kissinger declared.

He said that the United States would continue to oppose the efforts of any country, or group of countries, to impose its will on Asia by force or blackmail.

Dr Kissinger said that America had learned from “the tragedy of Indo-China” that she could only supplement, and not create, local will to resist aggression. “But. in applying this lesson, we must take care not to undermine stability in Asia and, ultimately, world peace,” he added.

"We will permit no question to arise about the firmness of our treaty com-

mitments. Allies who seek our support will find us constant. At the same time, if any partner seeks to modify these commitments, we will be prepared to accommodate that desire.” Dr Kissinger said that the United States was resolved (to maintain the peace and security of the Korean peninsula, and that it placed the highest value on its alliances with Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. “We will maintain our treaty obligations throughout Asia and the Pacific,” he declared.

Dr Kissinger appeared to offer a slight gesture to the new Communist governments in South Vietnam and Cambodia. Describing them only as “new regimes,” he said: “They have flouted international agreements and flagrantly violated accepted international standards, and that we cannot ignore. But

we are prepared to look to the future. Our attitude towards them will be influenced by their conduct towards their neighbours — and their attitude toward us.”

Dr Kissinger dwelt chiefly on America’s relationship with Japan, which he described as central to the continued stability, progress, and prosperity of the world. Citing past irritations in relations between the two countries, particularly the United States’ move to better its relations with China without warning Japan first, Dr Kissinger said: “We hate learned from experience. These strains are behind us. Our policies are moving in harmony in these areas. Our consultations on all important issues are now close, frequent, and frank.” Dr Kissinger said that the United States would propose a twice-yearly review of policies at Foreign Minister level, held alternatively in Washington and Tokyo. He pledged to continue to provide nuclear fuel to Japan — America’s largest market for uranium — under appropriate safeguards. “We will shortly add enrichment capacity to ensure adequate supplies to meet domestic and foreign needs,” he said.

Dr Kissinger has been reluctant to allow other countries to develop the capacity to enrich uranium, which could be used as fuel for nuclear weapons.