Tokyo, June 12, 1958

No 74
Excellency:
As I traced the development of the current talks with the Japanese side after 1 resumed my duties, 1 felt it opportune to make a summary report thereon:
I. The Plenary Sessions:
The first plenary session was held on April 15 and since then nine sessions were held in all until May 14. In the course of these plenary sessions procedural matters, composition of Committees and Sub-committees, order of function of the Committees and Subcommittees were decided.
At the second plenary session on April 22, procedural matters, such as languages, summary records, press release, were decided. At the same time our side proposed on the composition of the Committees. The Japanese side first was reluctant to accept our proposal, but due to our continuous efforts of persuasion, they finally accepted our
proposal for the most part at the sixth session held on May 6.
Thus, the following Committees and Sub-committees were established:
1. Committee on Basic Relations
2. Committee on Korean Claims
a) Sub-committee on Claims
b) Sub-committee on Vessels
3. Committee on Fisheries and "peace Line"
4. Committee on Legal Status of Korean Residents in Japan
At the seventh session held on May 8 our delegation proposed that the work of the Committees on Korean Claims and on Legal Status of Korean Residents in Japan be taken up first and that the matters concerning art object sand vessels be taken up first at the respective Sub-committees. At the eighty plenary session held on May 12 the Japanese side accepted our proposal on the order of the function of the Committees and Sub-committees. Thus lists of members of each side were exchanged.
The ninth plenary session was held on May 14 and it was decided at the session that the first Legal Status Committee and Korean Claims Committee meetings be held on May 19 and 22 respectively. I am happy to note that the setting up of the Committees and Sub-committees was thus completed along the line of the Government instructions. It was also decided that the future plenary sessions may be called, whenever both Chief Delegates deem it necessary, inasmuch as actual work of the two
Committees would start functioning.
II. Proceedings of Committee on Legal Status of Korean Residents in Japan:
As stated above, the first meeting of the Legal Status Committee was held on May 19 and since then four meetings were held until June 9. At these meetings the Japanese side expressed the view that they rather favor discussion item by item, irrespective of the past Korea-Japan conferences.
At the fourth meeting held on June 9 the Japanese side stated that they took the view that "▣...▣ criminals" of Koreans residens were subject to deportation under the existing Japanese immigration control law, adding that it would consider special status of the Korean within the framework of the internal laws of Japan. The Japanese side also stated that under the premises that the deportation problem is settled, the Japanese side would consider some measures by which these residents could enjoy stabilised life "for a considerably long period of time." Our side raised objection to the above Japanese views.
III. Proceedings of Committee on Korean Claims:
The Committee on Korean Claims met three times until May 29, and at the third meeting held on May 29, it was decided that the problem regarding art objects be taken up first and that the first Sub-committee on Claims would be held on June 4 for discued on of Korean art objects. Our side strongly demanded that the Japanese side present us a complete list of all Korean art objects it was prepared to return to us. It is expected that our side would continue its effort to have the Japanese side fulfil what it should do.
The Sub-committee on Vessels met twice until June 11. At the second session held on June 11, the Japanese side proposed that the problem regarding five vessels on loan to Korea and Japanese fishing boats now detained in Korea be added to the agenda for the Sub-committee, adding that problems on 141 Japanese fishing boats captured by our side for violation of our Peace Line would be taken up. Our side strongly insisted that the problem on the so-called Japanese fishing vessels violating our Peace Line was entirely beyond the scope of the Sub-committee which isa part of the Committee on Korean Claims. Thus, the Japanese said it would study the Korean view on this matter. It was further decided that the third meeting of the Sub-committee would be held on June 17, Tuesday.
IV. As I generally observe the development of the talks, it is going on steadily. I think fine work has been done by our delegation under the leadership of Ambassador Limb. The Japanese side is not so positive in making constructive proposals at present, but substantial discussion of various matters will get underway after the Japanese Cabinet formation which is expected shortly.
With sentiments of loyalty and esteem, I remain,

Most respectfully,
Y.T.K