COPY
April 29, 1952

Excellency:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of March 25, 1952, in which you request an official United States interpretation of the effect of Article 4 of the Treaty with Japan, and the relevant directives of the United States Military Government with respect to the property of Japan and Japanese nationals in Korea.
The United States is of the opinion that by virtue of Article 4(b) of the Treaty of Peace with Japan and the relevant directives and acts of the United States Military Government in Korea all right, title and interest of Japan and of Japanese nationals in property within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Korea have been divested. Accordingly, in the opinion of the United States, valid claim to such assets or to an interest therein cannot be asserted by Japan. The disposition of such assets, which Japan has recognized as valid in Article 4(b) of the Treaty, is relevant however in the opinion of the United States, in the consideration of the arrangements contemplated by Article 4(b) of the Treaty.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurance of my highest consideration.

 

For the Secretary of State:

His Excellency
Dr. You Chan Yang
/s/ John M. Allison
Ambassador of Korea, Washington, D.C.