No.54

November 17th, 1959.

Your Excellency:
On the 17th I called at ICRC and had a forty minutes' talk with President Boissier and Mr. Gallopin, the Director General of ICRC.
I again stressed that the recent developments in Japan are contral to our expectations and that the so-called registration conducted by the Japanese is phoney. In this connection, I quoted the information given by the Foreign Ministry via cable, and I told them that I have every evidence that the Japanese conducted registration on a group basis, and that the Japanese registration office even accepted a proxy, which is far from the traditional ICRC principle which upholds the individual on a voluntary basis. Under these circumstances it would be most wise for ICRC to declare that it will have nothing to do with the registration and witndraw its Mission. While I was talking with Mr. Boissier Mr. Gallopin said that the registration is conducted as the responsibility of JRC, and that confirmation of the will at the embaroation port will be conducted. I said that the Japanese twisted the statement issued by ICRC and publicized it as if ICRC approved the Japanese request, and now the Japanese and the Communists were giving the impression that they were acting with the blessing of ICRC - a most unfortunate circumstance. Mr. Gallopin said that, as far as propaganda is concerned, ICRC cannot do much about it. However, as far as our claim, that the registration is phoney, is concerned, thy are willing to investigate this matter. Mr. Boissier said that if we have concrete evidence quoting the names and places of the Japanese registration offices, it will be helpful to ROK 's position. This should be submitted in writing as soon as possible. Mr. Boissier further said that he would instruct Mr. Durand, the ICRC member in Japan, to investigate these facts. Their position would be decided afterwards.
Accordingly, I immediately sent two cablegrame to the Government asking for this information. It is my feeling that the views of the "Executive Board are still prevailing: in particular, that Mr. Boissier, Mr. Gallopin and Mr. Manoir are the key people in this issue. In the course of conversation I clarified that the statement made by the state Department and already known to ICRC did not take account of recent developments in Japan. I emphasised the fact that the whole free world is watching developments in this issue. It seems that ICRC took due note of this statement.
I continue to see them and try to do my best. However, the outcome is of course hard to predict. At this stage, the only thing we can do is to submit concrete evidence to ICRC
With sentiments of loyalty and esteem,

I remain,

Faithfully yours,

His Excellency President Syngman Rhee,
Office of the President,
SEOUL,
Corée.