Press Release
October 20,1951
Representatives of the Republic of Korea and Japan met in Tokyo this morning to seek solutions to several problems of mutual interest. The conference, in a series of sessions arranged by SCAP's Diplomatic section, will discuss as their intial item of business the nationality of an estamited 800,000Korean now residing in Japan.
The Korean delegation to these talks is led by Dr. You Chan yang, Korean Ambassador to the United States. Mr. ▣adao Iguchi, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, heads the Japanese deputation.
Ambassador S. J. Bebald, Chiedf of SCAP's diplomatic Section opened the first session with a brief statement and then turned over the business of the conference to the delegations. Representatives of SCAP's Diplomatic Section will attend the meetings as observers out will not take an active part in the discussions.
In opening the talks, Ambassador Sebald stated: "At a time when violence is so prevalent throughout the world, it is reassuring to be present when the representatives of two nations sit down in a spirit of calm and sincere purpose to seek solutions to their mutual problems. " he expressed his confidence that there is no difference between the Republic of Korea and Japan which cannot be solved in such an atmosphere and manner.
Mr. Iguchi speaking on behalf of his Government welcomed the Korean delegation to Japan and described the sessions as a momentous event. He said: "I feel that discussion of the question of nationality will eventually lead us to the question of making a basic and lasting agreement to regulate the future of our two contries. "
In reply to Mr. Iguchi's statement, Ambassador Yang declered:"being the closest neighbors, Korea and Japan should now endeavor to forge their diplomatic and commercial relations ready to function when the Japanese Peace Treaty goes into effect. That is the only way, we believe to preclude the undesirable gap that is otherwise bound to arise. The Government of the Republic of Korea has publicly declared more than once its willingness to bury the hatchet and promote friendly cooperation with Japan in the face of communist aggression that threatens the peace and security of the Pacific area and indeed those of the world. "
In addition to Dr. Yang, the Korean delegation includes Ambassador Sung Mo Shin, Chief of Korea's Diplomatic Mission in Japan, as well as advisers CHin O Yu, Song ▣on Lim, and Dr. Hongkee Karl. Assisting Mr. Iguchi, the Japanese representatives are Messrs. Koh chiba, Mitsuo Tanaka, Kenta Hiraga, Torao Ushinoku, and Misshi Sato.