Tokyo, July 16, 1958

No.84
Excellency:
1. Despite this office's continued protests to the Japanese Government and strong objections from local Minden leaders in the Kyushu ares and also the hunger strike staged by the detainees loyal to the Republic, there seems to be little improvement in the situation surrounding the Japanese decision to release some detainees on parole.
As I reported previously, hunger strikers consisting of the detainees loyal to our side discontinued the strike due to various difficulties, and there are now only some 130 women still on strike. President indications are that it is a matter of time for the Japanese Government to carry out the decision by releasing about 26 persons who had been held more than "three years."
This office is still awaiting instructions from the Government as to future course of action in connection with the Japanese release decision, especially if and when the scheduled release was carried out.
2. Meanwhile, the eighth session of the Vessels Sub-committee was held last Friday (July 11) likewise without reaching any conclusion on the matter concerning the addition of the words; "as of Nov. 6, 1951, "to agenda item (d). It appears to me that the Japanese side would withhold its decision in this regard until the arrival of Mr. Kyung Keun Chang.
With sentiments of loyalty and estems remain;

Most respectfully,

M. I. K.

His Excellency President Syngman Rhee