December 18, 1958

Dear Mr. President.
As reported b and cable ... the 12th session of the sub-committee on Other Claims "regarding Korean Art objects"....... on 10:30 a.m, December 13, 1958.
The Japanese side stated at this meeting that the basic policy of its Government regarding art objects had not been decided yet, though the matter of art objects was discussed at meetings of its highter officials held recently. Referring to the internal situation in Japan in connection with domestic politics, deliberation of budget, and the approach of the end of year, it added that it was with regret that it was unable to give a concrete answer to the Korean side on this matter.
In this connection, our side, stating that the normal proceeding on our talks including the substantial discussions at this Sub-committee should not be deleted under the pretext of Japanese domestic circumstances, requested that the Japanese side give a constructive answer to the Korean request for return of art objects, thereby bringing about a good outcome on the question of art objects before the end of year. Our side added that to to so would not only be much conducive to the smooth operation of this Subcommittee but also to the proceeding of other committee meetings.