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156 aur 91 10f4

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THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON. August 29, 1961 It
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American mbassy, MANILA

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suBJECT: Philippine Reaction Korean Announcement.
“”

 

Although official circles and members of the press have displayed
concern over the reversion to authoritarian control by the “orean coup
group, there was no formal reaction by the Administration nor direct

editorial comment on the announcement that the Korean Government was
scheduled to return to civilian -- and presumably democratic -- control
in the spring of 1963. ‘owever, the Republic's thirteenth anniversary,
which coincided with the announcement, evoked editorials which were only
secondarily congratulatory, if at all. The central theme was rather a
mixture of concern and hope that the future would be brighter, and

inferentially, more democratic.

Of the three papers discussing Korea editorially, only one, the

BULLETIN, was outspoken on the question of a return to civilian control
and sovereignty. The paper noted the special ties that linked the
Philippines and Korea, and stated that the Philippines joined the free
world in wishing Korea well and in praying.for enduring peace in that
"neighboring republic torn by war and ravaged by internal strife."

The editorial added, "Hopes are also entertained that tne military ime,
enliehtened and well intentioned tho it

which came to power last May,

19o62-8/00°S6ZL

be, will soon restore democratic processes and return sovereignty to the

Korean people." RS 5

The Philippines HERALD found more than a casual concern over nt
affecting the stability and political tranquility of Korea, and ome
that, like the U. 5., the Philippines found it difficult to satisfgwitself
as to the meaning of these political upheavals. The editorial w d
against either a quick indictment or an unduly hurried endorsement of the
activities of the new regime and recommended, instead, prayers "that for
this unhappy nation, a brighter, more promising day awaits it on the
beginning of its fourteenth year of sovereignty."

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