U.S. defends Korea plan

Press, 24 May 1977, Page 9

U.S. defends Korea plan

NZPA-Reuter Washington | The United States Defence Secretary (Mr Harold Brown) has defended the United States policy of withdrawing its ground troops from South Korea, and ■added that anybody in the i armed forces who did not : agree had_a right to “resign ; and say anything they I want.” Mr Brown, appearing on (television, was referring to the week-end removal of Major-General John Singlaub as' commander of United States forces in South Korea after he had predicted in public that the withdrawal of troops could lead to war with North Korea. A high-ranking United States delegation has flown to Seoul to discuss with j South Korean officials details (of the withdrawal of all United States ground forces, j I However, Mr Brown made] i it clear that the total with-! 1 drawal would proceed, and the only questions remaining • 1 for discussion were the rate i iof that withdrawal and what the South Koreans would( i need in the way of provi- ( sions, equipment, and train-' ing. General Singlaub opposed I the withdrawal in an inter- ! !view with the “Washington Post” last week, and within (three days found himself relieved of his command. The Defence Secretary i said that military personnel (were “not only allowed, but encouraged to express their, (views during the determination of policy” and while; I such discussion in public'

' was not promoted”, it was not forbidden. [ However, once the policy (was determined, “it becomes >i. . . his responsibility to .! support that policy publicly I if he plans to stay in the ['military.” II It was, he said, “a restric- : tion people assume when . they put on a uniform." I Describing General Sing-1 laub as a capable and dedi-| cated officer, Mr Brown said! I !that a new post could be found for him. i He noted that the United i States would maintain a 7000-man air arm in South Korea and that the Seventh r Fleet would be available: offshore. He said that he felt sure ■ that these forces, together ■: with logistical support, :i would deter any potential -aggressor.