Copy For The Foreign Minister

Tokyo, January 16, 1958

No.42
Excellency:
1. As reported by cable already, the second meeting of the working committee for implementation of the agreed terms was held at the Japanese Foreign Ministry at 3 p.m. January 14, summary records of which are enclosed herewith.
I have meanwhile received with appreciation a cable, ST-910138, instructing this office on future conduct of the working committee.
2. As covered in my reports last week, in carrying on the working committee, controversial issues seem to be on the following points:
i. Whether or not our side accepts the deportation of post-war illegal entrants who are not under detention at present.
ii. Question on Korean illegal entrants (numbering some 80) who allegedly desire return to north Korea (This figure is gradually decreasing).
iii. Transfer of art objects now in the possession of the Japanese Government, of which immediate transfer is possible.
In this relation, I would be grateful if the Government would send me instructions on overall matters in this regard. I am submitting below my observation which I hope will be taken into consideration in formulating the policy of the Government.
His Excellency President Sygnman Rhee
3. First, as covered in my report No.41 of last week, the Japanese side notified our side that there are an estimated number of 2,000 Korean (post-war) illegal entrants who are not under detention at present. I believe this problem had better be linked to that of "some Korean illegal entrants" who are believed to be under "protection" by the Japanese side.
Further, it does not appear wise for us to take up the question of the deportation of more than 2,000 Korean illegal entrants (not under detention now) at this stage as it will no doubt cause not a little confusion among the local Korean populace. As briefly mentioned in my report No.41, in accordance with Article 2 of the Agreed Minutes, the problem concerning the deportation of "some Korean illegal entrants" will be discussed at the overall talks. Therefore, it is felt more appropriate to discuss the matter concerning the above 2,000 persons at the overall talks, together with the question of "some Korean illegal entrants."
4. Regarding the question on those Korean illegal entrants who allegedly desire to go to north Korea, I will make every effort to press the Japanese side to turn them over to our side, together with the post-war illegal entrants now under detention.
In this connection, the Japanese side, as reported previously, explained to our side on its difficult position due to consideration of domestic politics and also of the pressure from the ICRC.
5. As requested in my report last week and also in my cable report, this office is awaiting the list of our art objects to be prepared by the Government to enable this office to check the Japanese list (expected to be delivered to us shortly) against ours, for accuracy and completeness.
6. The Japanese side notified our side that the 470 prewar Korean detainees at Omura will be released, beginning Sunday January 19, in several groups (about 70 persons each) and their release will be completed by February 15.
This office will send Third Secretary Kim, Young Hwan, who has previous experience of police investigation at home, together with Second Secretary Park, Kwang Hai (in charge of our Fukuoka Office), to Omura to make person by person check-up of those to be released and also gather any useful information.
The Japanese side promised that it will issue Alien Registration Cards to these people, just like to other foreigners resident in Japan. This office will also issue to them our Registration Cards in accordance with our law concerning registration of our nationals living abroad.
7. Similarly, person by person check-up will be conducted by this office prior to the deportation of other illegal entrants under detention now.
With regard to the question on the dispatch of our investigators to Japan, it seems that the Japanese side will not permit their entry here, unless our side gives the Japanese side assurances that Japanese officials will be permitted to enter Korea at the time of the transportation of Japanese fishermen.
In Foreign Minister's cable, ST-910138 of January 15, it was indicated that the Government will repatriate these Japanese fishermen in three groups before February 14. In this connection, it would be appreciated if this office is given information as to when each group is due to leave Pusan, together with relevant name-lists.
8. Finally, with regard to Premier Kishi's personal letter, I consider it is advantageous for our aide to receive the original of the letter as soon as possible. According to the latest report after seeing our reaction the Japanese Government is likely to re-examine its plan to send such a letter. If the original of the letter is to be received by our side, it is deemed advisable to consider Yatsugi's visit to Korea this time favorably, I would highly appreciate if, if the Government would instruct me on this matter as soon as possible.
With sentiments of loyalty and esteem, I remain,

Most respectfully,

Enclosure: summary records