U.S. military likely to leave S. Korea soon

Press, 14 August 1989, Page 10

U.S. military likely to leave S. Korea soon

NZPA-Reuter New York

The commander of United States forces in South Korea says there will be no military need for an American troop presence there after the mid 1990 s if current trends continue, the “New York Times” reported yesterday. It quoted the commander, General Louis Menetrey, as saying that South Korea’s plan to modernise its armed forces, including buying 120 modern fighter planes, would

make it strong enough to stand alone against North Korea.

General Menetrey said his view assumed that the modernisation plan would be completed, that South Korean economic progress would continue and that Soviet and Chinese restraint of North Korea would continue. “If those trends continue, there should be stability on the peninsula without the United States being part of the equation In the mid-li-hOs.” He said a limited

United States military presence might still be needed, because of its importance as a deterrent against North Korean aggression.

"Deterrence is a perception,” General Menetrey said. Even a limited United States troop presence in South Korea would symbolise Washington’s commitment to the country in the event of North Korean attack. The United States has 43,000 troops in South Korea.

A Pentagon spokesmen

could not be reached for comment on the "Times” report. Members of Congress have said that United States bases abroad, and at home should be closed to cut costs.

Until recently, military and civilian leaders have resisted suggestions that United States forces in South Korea could be reduced.

Last month the Senate proposed an amendment, calling for a gradual reduction in American troops in South Korea.