Letter – Ogle to Carter; “… I received the enclosed letter about two weeks ago…. “, 01/17/1977; 30 pgs

Ogle Folder Citation: Collection: White House Central File - Name File; Series: Oflan through Ogle; Folder: Ogle; Container: 2474 EMORY UNIVERSITY ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30322 Candler School of Theology October 12, 1978 Mr. Landon Kite Staff Assistant THE WHITE HOUSE Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Kite, I want to share with you the discouragement that your letter of October 6, 1978 brought me. During the 1976 presidential campaign, I worked, prayed and voted for Jimmy Carter. Since then I have written him and others of the administration, about the tyranny of the South Korean regime. I have written of KCIA harassment, tortures and killings and the destruction of human rights and democratic processes. The response that I get time after time from you and other Carter spokesmen, is a note of thanks for "sharing your views. T1 Such a response to the serious issues of life and justice that I write of is not acceptable and indeed repugnant. One could receive more sensitive and moral responses from Gerald Ford. If you ever have the chance to speak with Mr. Carter be kind enough to tell him I will be glad to work for his defeat in 1980. George Dr. Sincerely George Ogle Oyle jg EMORY UNIVERSITY 3 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30322 Candler School of Theology September 28, 1977 President Jimmy Carter The White House Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. President: The enclosed letters were carried out of Korea and brought to Atlanta by a friend of mine. These letters are from the wives of poli- tical prisoners inside South Korea. A friend and I here in Atlanta translated the Korean originals. We are now sending these letters on to you as directed by the persons who wrote them. We pray that our government's policies toward South Korea will include a deep sensitivity toward the sufferings of these people. The defense against communism and the emergence of a democratic society in that country will greatly depend upon the backing that your administration gives to human rights for the Korean people. Sincerely, Jeonge Ogle agle GEO:jg July 29, 1977 Dear Dr. Ogle: Thank you for your letter of June 28 asking that I arrange an opportunity for you to talk with Mr. Kim, the for- mer director of the KCIA. I regret that it is not possible for me or for any other member of the White House staff to arrange such a meeting between private citizens. With best wishes, Sincerely, Valerio L. Giannini Staff Assistant Dr. George Ogle Candler School of Theology Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 VLG: MF : JMC: MKW 14 EMORY UNIVERSITY ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30322 Candler School of Theology June 28, 1977 Mr. Valerio L. Giannini Staff Assistant The White House Washington, D.C. 20000 Dear Mr. Giannini: Thank you for your letter of June 20. We appreciate the sensitivity to human rights as expressed both by President Carter and yourself and only wish that the Ford and Nixon administrations would have had a similar character. Much needless suffering could have been avoided. I do want to follow up on the Korean boy's letter a bit more. His father is in prison, and eight other men were hung, because of alleged participation in a group that the Korean CIA called the "People's Revolutionary Party." I and many others feel that the "People's Revolutionary Party" was mainly a fabrication of the KCIA and the men arrested and killed under that charge were used as scapegoats. In order to gain more light on the PRP, I would like to have the oppor- tunity to talk with the former director of the KCIA, Yong OK Kim. Do you think that could be arranged? My own expulsion from Korea was due to my close relations with the families of the eight men who were hanged. I have written of my experiences in a book called Liberty to the Captives. An in- terview with Yong OK Kim could perhaps confirm either the KCIA's charges or my suspicions. It might also be a way of answering the young Korean boy's request for help to his father. I am writing a similar request to Congressman Donald Fraser. Again, let me thank you and President Carter for your concern in this matter. Goorge Ogle agle the struggle - e against oppression in South Korea 0 GEORGE OGLE June 20, 1977 1 Dear Dr. Ogle: President Carter has asked me to thank you for your recent letter enclosing the message to him from a young Korean boy. We deeply regret the long delay in our reply. I want to assure you that the President shares your concern about the erosion of human rights, not only in the Republic of Korea but wherever else it occurs. As he said in his in- augural address, "our moral sense dictates a clear-cut prefer- ence for those societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights. The Korean Government is fully aware of the interest in this country concerning the issue of human rights. While there are limitations on the actions which our Government can take in re- gard to how another government treats its own citizens, the United States Government has sought at many levels to make it clear to the Korean Government that this issue is an important element in our relationship. United States officials have on many occasions conveyed to the Korean Government the concern felt in this country about the prison sentences and the physical condition of those convicted under various Korean laws. We intend to continue to show in- terest and concern in these cases. With the President's best wishes, Sincerely, Valerio L. Giannini Staff Assistant Dr. George Ogle Candler School of Theology Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 VLG: STATE: NSC: JN JMC ech p CLASSIFICATION DEPARTMENT OF STATE TRANSMITTAL SLIP Uncl DATE 5/20/77 TO For the Attention of Ms. Pam Zinn, Correspondence Unit (W.H.) FROMDepartment of State Public Correspondence Division (PA/MS/PCD) TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE TO THE DEPARTMENT For Transmittal to Addressee Dept. Information Only THE WHITE HOUSE at the Discretion of Post CERP Publications WASHINGTON Post Information Only Enclosure to Previous Transmit to Foreign Office Airgram DATE: 6/14 Submit Report Reply to Department Reply to the Individual Request Transmit to: (U. S. Agency) TO: Gail - Inform: REFERENCE X 3723 Dr. George Ogle - Emory University on George Ogle. Kh Thisis the fit ITEMS/REMARKS 2/9/77 Grey Besox of the draft attache Sheseis Our Bureau of East Asian Affairs has sent a draft reply through S/S to Brzezinski (see attached) regarding the original This this man's previous correspondence. Please take necessary follow-up action. whatpupples me Batricia Byrne Rm 94 IN REPLY REFER TO FILE NUMBER AND DRAFTING OFFICE FILE NO. SIGNATURE Mrs W. Baynard CLASSIFICATION OFFICE PA/MS/PCD 5819A FORM Unclassified DS - 4 632-0776 12-64 GPO 1965 0-202-212-(67) THE WHITE HOUSE washington June 14, 1977 Pat: I wish I could help you with the enclosed file. However, I am fairly certain that I have never seen any of these materials before. Its possible that the memo written to Greg Schneiders on February 9 was sent to Greg because NSC thought he was responsible for the Correspondence Section of the White House. If we did receive the materials, I would have sent them over to Correspondence for them to prepare the letter etc. Sorry I could not be of more help. gael Doar JMC Dear Dr. Ogle: President Carter has asked me to thank you for your recent enclos the message to him from a young Korean boy, ******* letters ^ We deeply regret the long and unfortunate delay in our reply. I want to assure you that the President ***** shares your concern about the erosion of human rights, not only in the wherever else it occurs. Republic of Korea but in many other countries around the globa. As he said in his inaugural address, "our moral sense dictates a clear-cut preference for those societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights." (over) DRAFT REPLY Dear Dr. Ogle: I have been asked to reply to your letter of January 17 to President Carter which enclosed a letter from a Korean boy whose father is in prison. The new Administration shares your concern with the erosion of human rights, not only in the Republic of Korea, but in many other countries around the globe. As the President said in his inaugural address, "our moral sense dictates a clear-cut preference for those societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights. The Korean Government is fully aware of the interest in this country concerning the issue of human rights. While there are limitations on the actions which our Government can take in regard to how another government treats its own citizens, the United States Government has sought at many levels to make 22 clear to the Korean Government that this issue is an important element in our relationship. Dr. George Ogle, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. 30322 404-329 466 6325 4171 - 2 - With regard to the People's Revolutionary Party case, in April, 1975 a State Department officer spoke-out concerning the execution of eight individuals, also alleged members of the People's Revolutionary Party, stating that "we deeply regret the drastic action of the Korean Government in carrying out these executions. #2 Since this time to United States officials have on many occasions conveyed to the Korean Government the concern felt in this country about the prison sentences and the physical condition of those convicted under various Korean laws. We intend to continue to show interest and concern in these cases. N with the Presidents Sincerely, best wishes, VL6 Department of State VL6 State NSC JN:UMC wh EMORY UNIVERSITY ATLANTA. GEORGIA 30322 CANDLER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY the March 28, 1977 President Jimmy Carter The White House Washington, D.C. Dear President Carter, About two months ago I sent to you a letter from a young Korean boy whose father was arrested, tortured and imprisoned by the Korean CIA. Since I have received no reply from you on this, I am trying one more time. Enclosed is a copy of the letter I sent in January. The original was written in Korean. I translated it into English and sent an English copy and the Korean original on to you. I am a missionary of the U. Methodist Church who spent nearly 20 years in Korea before the Pak Chung Hee government forcefully deported me in December of 1974. I am acquainted with the family of the boy who wrote the letter. That is why he sent it to me to translate and pass it on to you. Let me also say how disappointed many of us have been in your adminis- tration's position on human rights in Korea. Secretary of State Vance's promise of continuing aid to the Pak regime regardless of its gross violations against human rights gives Pak more support than anything the Ford or Nixon administrations ever did. Pak and his KCIA are subverting their own national security through the use of oppression and fear. Violations of human rights do not create national security. Even Secretary of State Vance must under- stand that. I would appreciate knowing whether you received the enclosed letter from the Korean boy. I told him that I thought sure you would make some response. Dr. Sincerely, George Ogle agle GEO/jsg Seoul, Korea November, 1976 President Jimmy Carter The White House Washington, D. C. 20000 Dear President Carter: I am only a young Korean boy, but I am very happy that you have become President of the United States because I have heard that you know what democracy is and love the weak and the poor. My father was sentenced to life in prison on charges of having violated the fourth emergency decree (decreed by President Park Chung Hee on January 8, 1974). My father is a good man and is not a communist. He was tried in secret military courts and sentenced without ever being able to say a word to defend himself. I have sent appeals to President Park, but in vain. My mother and I have been arrested and taken to the Korean CIA when I was forced to sit at attention for 33 hours while CIA agents threatened horrible things. I have prayed to God for three years but my father is still in prison. He suffers in his dark, solitary cell where he can not exercise or receive medical help. We are now allowed to visit father once a month for five minutes, but there is a dirty glass between us SO that we can barely make out his face. Three guards are always there and demand we say nothing except mere hellos and good-byes. It is fearful even to visit my own father. Father has been tortured by electricity and water and severely beaten over the shoulders with a club. He is wracked with nervous pain and can not sleep, but receives no medical treatment. I have learned in school that our nation is a democracy. If so, why then was my father tried by a secret military court? I can not understand why he has to suffer so unjustly. The "emergency decrees" of the President Park are too severe. One lawyer who is our friend says he knows my father is innocent but he is too afraid to say anything. Even though a person speaks the truth he can be taken off to the KCIA for having violated the ninth decree. Christian ministers and priests are taken away. Other adults are too afraid to do anything. It is very sad. We are SO afraid of President Park that I dare not sent this letter directly, but I plead with you to help free my father. I know you love democracy and have sympathy for the helpless like my father. Grandmother is sick but is hoping to see father before she dies. When I become a man, I shall try to be a good man and promise to help you as I can. Please stay in peace. (CLASSIFICATION) u Weady Baynard S/S Date DEPARTMENT OF ASTATEM 3 E EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT TRANSMITTAL FORM BUR EAST ASIAN IC AFFAIRS FOR: Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski National Security Council The White House REFERENCE: TO: President Carter FROM: Dr. George Ogle DATE: 1/17/77 SUBJECT: Letter from young Korean boy about his imprisoned father. WHITE HOUSE REFERRAL DATED: 1/26/77 NSC- 7700131 THE ATTACHED ITEM WAS SENT DIRECTLY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE ACTION TAKEN: X A draft reply is attached A draft reply will be forwarded. A translation is attached. An information copy of a direct reply is attached We believe no response is necessary for the reasor cited below. X Other REMARKS: Instructed by telephone to prepare draft reply for signature by White House staff. OF Drafted: EA/K:JBoardman:jcm C. Arthur Borg 2/3/77 X 29330 Executive Secretary Cléarance: EA/K - Mr. Hurwitz EA - Mr. Silver D/HA - Mr. Hill (subs.) UNCLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT OF STATE The CA on EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT Send to S/S/L ACTION SLIP S/S CONTROL NUMBER UNCLASSIFIED 7701705 (Attachment Classification) ACTION ASSIGNED TO: EA DATE 1/27/77 (Action Office Instructions on Reverse) ACTION REQUESTED Brzezinski Tel/con Strift BORG TO SCOWCHOFT Trans MEMO with BORG TO by Draft-reply Presiden for signature Carter with Comment or Recommendation DIRECT REPLY provide info copy under cover of BORG to Scowcroft transmittal form REPLY FOR SIGNATURE provide comeback copy BY for RECOMMENDATION FOR with Memorandum for the President APPROPRIATE HANDLING FOR YOUR INFORMATION DUE IN S/S BY: CLEAR WITH: 2/3/77 REMARKS/SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: S S/AB A AF D S/AL CU ARA P S/AJ EB EA E S/AM H EUR T S/CPR INR NEA M S/IG 10 C S/IL L ACDA S/S S/NM OES AID S/S=O S/P PA AID/IDC S/S-EX S/PRS PM S/S-S M/CT SCA 1 TEAM A M/DG TEAM B M/EEO TEAM C M/MO FROM: Mary Persabera NAME) TEAM D D/HA S/S.S/ S/S-I (RF) D/LOS DUP B C D 21522 28338 28348 28002 D/IWY for CLASSIFICATION unclassified 7701705 NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL REFERRAL Date: 1/26/77 NSC log # 7700131 MEMORANDUM FOR: C. Arthur Borg Executive Secretary Department of State DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: To: President Carter From: Dr. George Oale Date: 1/17/ 77 Subject: Letter from young Korean boy about his imprisoned father ACTION REQUESTED: XXXXXX Draft reply for: XXXX President's Signature White House Staff Other Direct reply Furnish info copy Dispatch Translation Recommendations / Comments Appropriate Handling Other Information DUE DATE: 2/3/77 COMMENTS: Hendy Kerencer for Jeanne W. Davis Staff Secretary CLASSIFICATION: 7701705 EMORY UNIVERSITY ATLANTA GEORGIA 30322 CANDLER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY January 17, 1977 President Jimmy Carter The White House Washington, D. C. 20000 Dear President Carter: I received the enclosed letter about two weeks ago. It is a letter to you, but it was sent to me so that I could translate It into English for you, It was written by a young Korean boy about his father who is in prison. I was a Methodist Missionary in Korea for over 15 years before the government forced me to leave in December of 1974. I know this boy's mother. That is why he sent the letter to me. Since it is important for the people of the United States to be aware of the situation in Korea, I am taking the liberty of releasing this letter known. to the press. For obvious reasons, the name of the boy will not be made Sincerely yours, George Dr.: Georg/ Ogle age GEO/jsg Scoul, Korea November, 1976 President Jimmy Carter The White House Washington, D. C. 20000 Dear President Carter: I am only a young Korean boy, but I am very happy that you have become President of the United States because I have heard that you know what democracy is and love the weak and the poor. My name is You Dong Min. My father was sentenced to life in prison on charges of having violated the fourth emergency decree (decreed by President Park Chung Hee on January 8, 1974). My father is a good man and is not a communist. He was tried in secret mili- tary courts and sentenced without ever being able to say a word to defend hinself. I have sent appeals to President Park, but in vain. My mother and I have been arrested and taken to the Korean CIA when I was forced to sit at attention for 33 hours while CIA agents threatened horrible things. I have prayed to God for three years but my father is still in prison. He suffers in his dark, solitary cell where he can not exercise or receive medical help. We are now allowed to visit Father once a month for five minutes, but there is a dirty glass between us SO that we can barely make out his face. Three guards are always there and demand we say nothing except mere hellos and good-byes. It is fearful even to visit my own father. Father has been tortured by electricity and water and severely beaten over the shoulders with a club. He is wracked with nervous pain and can not sleep, but receives no medical treatment. I have learned in school that our nation is a democracy. If so, why then was my father tried by a secret military court? I can not understand why he has to suffer SO unjustly. The "emergency decrees" of the President Bark are too severe. One lawyer who is our friced says he knows my father is innocent but he is too afraid to say anything. Even though a person speaks the truth he can be taken off to the KCIA for having violated the ninth decree. Christian ministers and priests are taken away. Other adults are too afraid to do anything. It is very sad. We are SO afraid of President Park that I dare not send this letter directly, but I plead with you to help free my father. I know you love democracy and have sympathy for the helpless like my father. Grandmother is sick but is hoping to see father before she dies. When I become a man, I shall try to be a good man and promise to help you as I can. Please stay in peace. You Dong Min Dear Rev. Ogle, How are you? It pains me to think that you have been expelled from our country. Even though I am young I will remember. I am the son of who is in prison because of his alleged relation to the so-called People's Revolutionary Party. I have prayed earnestly for three years that my father would be released from prison, but he has not been freed. My father is cold in solitary confinement where he can not exercise. He has been tortured and is in deep pain, but they will not give him medical treatment. I am very happy that Mr. Carter has been elected President for he has sympathy for the weak and powerless and greatly loves democracy. If he were only president of Korea, my father would be freed immediately. Pastor Oglc, I know my father is not a communist or member of a "People's Revolutionary Party. 11 Father frequently taught me the difference between commu- nism and democracy. My Dad is not a communist. God knows that is true. Pastor Ogle, you live in a country with a great president. Please help to set my father free, I have heard from my mother how much you have already done to try and help my father. He has been disgraced, even though innocent. Please help SO. that he can be released in 1977. Pastor Ogle, let us pray together each day. Please remember us in Korea. Stay in peace. HITHIR DATE I'm (7/10-19) 0/2 140 THEY Fe (zto Afilito (To 11 1377 10016 IV, (Offi C to 31% ITROP FIFILIOS Fritty 177073 the (03 RYEE (10€9 lofe 15taB L FOHTH THE VISIT FFC 7/2 DE L 31067 SPO₂ HE XET 17/10/12 FATO 13/7/70 to STATE 11712 Faloffly PRE EMPLO 10 to? 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