76-14-A1

- Main Page \ Reagan Radio Commentaries \ 1977

<< Previous Broadcast

Next Broadcast >>

Korea

Transcript A two-star general who came into the Army in World War II, and who served with distinction in that conflict as well as in the two wars since, deserves better from his commander-in-chief than public humiliation and the destruction of his career. Major General John K. Singlaub, 55 years of age, chief of staff of American forces in Korea, is highly respected by his colleagues in the military and is deserving of that respect. No longer chief of staff in Korea, he awaits re-assignment. The consensus among his fellow officers is that he will probably be re-assigned to a job that will make it plain he is being punished. In announcing his recall and re-assignment, Secretary of Defense Harold Brown said, -- QUOTE -- "Public statements by General Singlaub, inconsistent with announced national security policy, have made it very difficult for him to carry out the duties of his present assignment in Korea." -- UNQUOTE. The Secretary then went on to say he had directed the Secretary of the Army to take action to that effect. But, calling the General home was not Secretary Brown's doing. The order came from the President. It was public, it was angry and apparently born of vindictive temper. The General's associates, from buck private to fellow officers, knew he was being called to the "House" for a spanking. In my opinion, there is no excuse for this humiliation of a man who has served his country in peace and war with valor, indeed, with heroism. And what was the General's crime? According to Secretary Brown, -- QUOTE "Public statements inconsistent with announced national security policy." -- UNQUOTE. The General has asked no quarter. He simply said that his remarks expressing his opinion were made in what he thought was background information for a Washington POST correspondent and not for attribution. The POST disputes this, and I'm not challenging that assertion but anyone who has been in public life knows how easy it is for a misunderstanding to take place. All of us have spoken frankly at times in what we thought was an "off-the-record" session, and found ourselves quoted by a journalist who had not considered the interview "off-the-record". General Singlaub expressed the opinion that withdrawal of American forces in Korea could lead to war. President Carter has announced his intention of removing those troops. I think the General is right. The South Korean government thinks he's right. The government of Japan thinks he's right. And, most of our top military brass think he's right. The war we've already had in Korea was caused at least in part by the careless words of an American Secretary of State who intimated that we didn't consider South Korea in our perimeter of defense. The North Koreans apparently took that as an invitation and the war was on. Admittedly, the disciplining of the General is because his statement was critical of the President's declared policy. But, the President has smilingly apologized for a succession of verbal boo-boos by his Ambassador to the United Nations; outrageous statements that angered and insulted several of our allies. Each time, like a patient parent, the President has explained that Ambassador Young was not correctly stating national policy. Then, murmuring a few words about misunderstanding or incomplete communication, the President has reiterated his confidence in his Ambassador. There is anger and bitterness among our military officials who believe General Singlaub expressed what they all feel. Certainly, he deserves better from the country he has served so well. This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening.		Details Batch Number 76-14-A1 Production Date 05/25/1977 Book/Page RihoH-66 Audio Youtube? No
		Added Notes