February 5, 1958

I do not wish to be repititious or to show a lack of understanding of the problems with which you are confronted in the forthcoming negotiations with Japan. Nevertheless, I venture to indicate what seems to me the fundamental consideration -- namely, that since you have agreed to re-open the negotiations, the primary consideration now is to make manifest in every public way you can, and as emphatically as possible, your sincere desire to reach a fair and agreeable settlement of relations with Japan. In order to accomplish this in a way that will assure the widest possible support of public and governmental opinion, it seems to me wise to keep attention centered on the goals to be achieved, but without at this time any discussion of the background of Japanese double-dealing. If we can make our friends all understand that what Korea wants is a fair and just solution of the difficulties -- and that is all Korea wants -- then the blame for the failure of negotiations (if they do fail) will be placed upon Japan. This, it seems to me, is the great necessity of this particular time. That, of course, is what motivated the writing of that editorial -- to place emphasis upon the goals, and to declare a hopefulness that Japan would be fair-minded in working with you to achieve them. If the results should turn out otherwise, you will get all the greater credit for making a noble effort!