TNAG-0115-FCO40-151-Departmental-briefs-for-Commonwealth-Prime-Minister-s-and-ot-1969 — Page 65

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

W(B)L SI-7406

CONFIDENTIAL

Economic Cooperation

29. Mr. Aichi said that Japan,saw it

as its duty as the only industrially

advanced nation in Asia, to promote the

economic development of the countries

of the area, particularly Korea and

Taiwan, in order to promote the

stability of the area as a whole.

Japan's economic aid over the past ten

years had totalled $1810 million. Of

this $1600 million (or 90 %) had been

directed towards Asia. $1150 had been

directed to countries east of Burma.

Japan wished to assist the countries

concerned to help themselves.

30.

Japan was playing an active part

in the following organisations:

Ministerial Conference for the

Economic Development of South

East Asia (established in April

1966 on Japan's initiative)

The Asian Development Bank and

its Special Funds

ECAFE

The Mekong River Basin Plan

Mr. Aichi hoped that the next meeting

of the Ministerial Conference for the

Economic Development of South East Asia

in April would reveal a determination

Lo redouble efforts in practical ways.

Japan would give increased assistance,

particularly in Vietnam after thefend

CONVIDENTIAL