Annex No. 1
Address of Mr. CHIBA, Japanese Delegate
Japan and Korea have been very closely related in fisheries since the Meiji Era and even before. During the Meiji Era agreements on fisheries were concluded between them. Therefore, this is not the first time that the two countries are negotiating this kind of agreement.
While I am very well aware of the importance of the fishery industry to your country, I could not insist too much on the weight of the fishery industry among the Japanese industries. As you know, an important part of the animal protein taken by our people depends upon fishery resources of the seas surrounding your country, and hundreds of thousands of Japanese have engaged in fishing operations on the surrounding waters of Korea.
The peace treaty has been concluded now and friendly relations are to be established between our two countries. Thus, by dint of frank discussions about maritime resources, taking into due account established precedents and the principles of the international law and customs, we can surely reach a satisfactory accord on the fishery question. I pray for a successful outcome of this negotiation through your valuable cooperation.