ANNEX V

Gist of Address of Mr. S. Matsumoto, Japanese Chief Delegate to the Japan-Korea Conference

 

When I was entrusted with the task of the Chief Delegate to the Japan-Korea Conference by Prime Minister Yoshida in November last year, I dared to accept it, though I did know how difficult this Conference would be. It was because I was convinced that the relationship between Japan and the Republic of Korea, who were just going to enter into a new international relation, should be a friendly one for many years to come and should be such as enabling to maintain the enduring peace. Especially I am convinced there will occur many problems owing to the fact that people having so far lived together become the nations of separate countries, and it will be very serious, if we make an error in the disposition of these problems. Therefore, I told to myself that I should exert enormous efforts, and for this sake, I should not make haste. Prime Minister Yoshida also told me that I should handle the problems carefully and not in a hurry. I think, this is because the relationship of the two countries should be considered with a long view. When a job is done in a hurry, it may fall after a long run, because of its incompleteness. Disposition of these problems should be done carefully and not hastily.
At the same time, in order to solve the problems between Japan and the Republic of Korea, which was under Japanese control for 30 odd years long period, in such a way as profitable for both sides, I should negotiate with you in an amicable manner.
Ambassador Yang is one of those whom I pay utmost respect. I have enjoyed our talks up to present. And other Delegates of the Korean Delegation are also acquainted with Japanese affairs, and we have talked with those gentlemen in a pleasant atmosphere and without any reservation.
Though more than one month and a half have elapsed since the beginning of the present Conference, it is regrettable that we have not been able to achieve final results. It may, however, be said, the problems given are so much complicated and difficult in their nature. It is our desire to hold negotiations in friendly atmosphere, keeping in mind “patience” as a common principle, which has been observed so far successfully. But, unfortunately, owing to the tenacious oppositions of the Korean side against the legal opinion of the Japanese side concerning the problem of claims, even the problems of Korean residents’ nationality and vessels, which have nearly reached to their conclusions after several months’ efforts, are becoming at stake. Ambassador Yang has stated in his statement that the amount of vessels which Japan has proposed is too low. But I have exerted myself utmost in this regard, and, desiring to settle the problem in one way or another, I have made the said proposal. Of course, I do not deem it sufficient. But I cannot agree with your opinion that the proposed amount is too low to be an object of consideration. I have made the said proposal after assiduous deliberations by both sides, and I think it is reasonable one, in view of Japan’s financial conditions.
To be brief, we are entrusted with an important mission for establishing diplomatic relations between our two countries. So, we should, with patience, begin with matters which we could find means to solve. From this point of view, I have made several proposals to Ambassador Yang on four occasions of our informal talks. I ask you do not mis-understand that these proposals werenot made with any intention to “bargain” with you.
It is for the sake of Japan as well as the Republic of Korea that, on this occasion when Japan is coming back to the family of nations, we express to the world how the two countries are getting well, by means of giving shapes to what we have agreed upon.
I do not mean I am opposed flatly to Ambassador Yang’s statement, but I do desire that our feelings be well understood by your side. I hope you, as well as our side, be good enough to render further efforts to solve problems in a practical manner, looking squarely at realities and trying to solve what we can afford to. Judging from my experiences of 30 years’ diplomatic career, I realize the “all or nothing” attitude is a taboo in diplomacy, and it is better to solve the problems one by one, according to their circumstances. May I cite from Mr. Eden the words “small beginning”? In our Conference, though there are many difficulties for us to overcome, it is our “small beginning” to exert efforts with our friendly feeling, from which big results will emanate. I do not understand that you, as a famous physician, have given up to prescribe for this Conference, but want to understand that you have expressed your feelings frankly.
I have stated above for your reference, since I heartily desire to go through the difficulties of the Conference, in one way or another together with you all.
END