KOREAN MISSION IN JAPAN Tokyo
November 21, 1959
Korean Opinion
on Japan's unilateral deportation of Korean residents in Japan to the northern part of Korea
(Volume V )
CONTENTS
Press statements by Ambassdor Yiu dated September 10, October 17, October 24, November 5, November 7,
1959.
PRESS Release(FOR Immediate RELEASE )
KOREAN MISSION IN JAPAN

September 10, 1959

Republic of Korea Ambassador Yiu Tai Ha today issued the following statement:
Japanese press reports today assert that some Japanese officials are pressing to expand Japan's illegal deportation agreement with Pyongyang to cover also those Republic of Korea citizens who have entered this country illegally since the end of World War II.
When Japan earlier this year decided unilaterally to send to Communist slavery Koreans en masse who had been forced to settle in Japan before and during World War II, this act constituted a clear violation of the ROK - Japan agreement calling for mutual talks and settlement of problems connected with Korean residents in Japan. We are strongly opposed to the unilateral disposition of any of problems on Korean residents in Japan
Last July, Korea proposed resumption of the overall talks. Japan agreed both sides agreed to give priority to the problem of the 600,000 Korean residents in Japan.
The Committee on Legal Status of Korean Residents has since met twice to discuss problems connected with some Koreans to return to the
Republic of Korea or who want to remain here or go elsewhere.
This committee is also charged with the task of discussing deportation to the Republic of Korea of those Koreans who entered Japan illegally after 1945. The December 31, 1957 agreement between our two countries clearly stipulated that the problem of deportation of illegal entrants would be a subject of discussion at the overall talks.
Any unilateral action by Japan along the lines indicated in today's press reports would of course amount to a clear violation of the 1957 agreement.
Communist spies now operating in the Republic of Korea find it difficult to return to the northern part of Korea and to report to their Pyongyang masters. But if Japan would let those persons who have smuggled themselves into this country from the Republic of Korea proceed to the northern part of Korea aboard the so-called repatriation Ships, Japan would be guilty of providing a spy route and actively helping those trying to communise the Free World.
Japan, as a member of the Free World, must not close her eyes to this deadly fact."

ENDIT

KOREAN MISSION IN JAPAN
For Immediate Release

October 17, 1959

Republic of Korea Ambassador Yiu Tai Ha today warned that Korea would be "compelled to act" unless the Japanese authorities take steps for keeping "the hundreds of Japanese fishing vessels from fishing illegally inside the Peace Line."
The Republic of Korea envoy said as Japan had ignored numerous Korean warnings recently, Korea would have to "seize any vessels
caught inside the Peace Line " if also this latest warning is disregarded.
In a statement to the press, the Republic of Korea Ambassador also strongly denounced current Japanese moves for "giving in to the Communist' political demands on the so-called guide book revision issue." He also deplored the activities of "some Japanese circles
who are trying to undermine the currently smooth progress of the Republic of Korea -Japan overall talks."
Ambassador Yiu's statement read:
Hundreds of Japanese fishing vessels have recently been founded fishing inside the Peace Line, i.e. the fishery demarcation line proclaimed under Korean law to protect marine resources and to safeguard peace in these troubled waters between our two countries.
As Korea did not want to take any action that might have adverse effects on the atmosphere of the Republic of Korea -Japan overall talks now underway in Tokyo, we refrained from seizing the trespassing vessels. However, we warned the Japanese Government of the consequences if steps were not taken to put an end to the illegal fishing operations.
We repeated our warnings but hundreds of Japanese fishing vessels have been engaging in illegal fishing inside Peace Line waters.
Furthermore, only two days ago, two Japanese Government patrol boats appeared in the immediate vicinity of Cheju-Do Island far, far inside the Peace Line.
Therefore, I want to make it absolutely clear today that if
the Japanese continue to ignore our warnings and continue to violate Peace Line waters, the Republic of Korea can no longer tolerate this situation. We will be compelled to act and seize any and all Japanese vessels
caught trespassing inside the waters concerned.
The repeated violations of Peace Line waters have come as a shock to the Korean people as Japan, under a tacit agreement, was supposed to help prevent violations while the Republic of Korea -Japan Overall talks are being conducted.
Developments over the past few days have also made it clear that some Japanese are willing to employ any means to achieve their goal of getting rid of as many Korean residents in Japan as possible and to kick them into Communist slavery.
I am referring to the so-called guide book revision issue.
As the Republic of Korea has been opposing the Japan -Korean communists deportation scheme from the very beginning, it is not necessary for us to comment on the merits or demerits of the so-called 'repatriation guide.' But we note that though this guide book was drafted with the aide of the International Committee of the Red Cross, there is now a strong movement underway for changing the guide book and giving in to Pyongyang 's political demands.
The thinking of the groups urging revision of the guide book seems to be: 'to hell with the principles of free choice as long as we achieve the aim of ousting the Korean residents.' The Japanese side concerned today seems inclined to surrender to Pyongyang 's demands, not by revising the guide book itself but during the actual implementation of the rules laid down that book. Thus the basic points of the guide book would
be ignored and the whole project be changed not in form but in substance.
I should like to draw attention to the fact that when registration for travel to the northern part of Korea began last September 21, only very few Koreans showed up at the registration offices. This fully verified our contentions that not a single Korean resident would be willing to go to Communist-occupied northern part of Korea if steps were taken to remove pressure from Communist organizations, Communist propaganda among Korean residents here and real attempts made to end discrimination against Koreans in this country and help them stand on their own feet financially.
Some people claim that very few Koreans registered for travel to the northern part of Korean only because of the Communist boycott orders, issue in an attempt to get the 'guide book ' revised. That is based on wanton communist propaganda. No man in the Free World is willing to go over to the Communist world of slavery if it is made possible for him
to survive in the Free World.
Therefore, it is encouraging to note that some progress has been made in the Republic of Korea -Japan overall talks on the problems of Korean residents in Japan. Our side has declared Korea's willingness to receive any number of Korean repatriates if certain conditions are met by the Japanese side.
It is regrettable that some circles are trying to wreck this smooth progress of the talks. These circles have two aims:
1) to deport as many Koreans as possible to the communist slavery, and
2) to wreck the Republic of Korea -Japan overall talks.
As only the Communists would benefit from a falure of the Republic of Korea -Japan overall talks, I hope that the circles concerned will cease trying to undermine the Republic of Korea -Japan talks.
'While Korea is willing to meet Japan half-way, it would be dangerous to misunderstand Korean's attitude: the Korean people are determined to safeguard the integrity and security of their nation."
ENDIT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KOREAN MISSION IN JAPAN

October 24, 1959

Republic of Korea Ambassador Yiu Tai Ha today "strongly warned" Japan that Japanese surrender to Communist demands for revision of "repatriation guide book " principles" would block a solution of all problems pending between our two countries."
The Republic of Korea envoy was referring to press reports saying Japanese officials are moving toward a compromise with Pyongyang and pro-Pyongyang groups in Japan on the so-called "repatriation guide book " issue.
In his statement, the Ambassador emphasized that it should be crystal clear to officials of the Japan Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (CICR) that as recent developments of
events clearly prove, the deportation scheme is heavily under a political control by the Korean Communists group in Japan and the Korean Communists and pro-communist groups here are using every means to force thousands
of unwilling people to sign up for travel to the communist occupied northern part of Korea.
Mr. Yiu's statement read:
As Korea opposes the deportation scheme as a whole, we have refrained from commenting on the Tokyo -Pyongyang controversy over the so-called guide book. But as Japan now seems ready to butcher the principle of free will in order to pursue the deportation scheme by making compromise with the political demands of the Korean communists, I must warn Japan of how grave the REPUBLIC OF KOREA Government considers the present situation to be.
Day by day, it is becoming more and more clear that Japan is bent on carrying out the deportation program regardless of the cost, and even if the price Japan pays for getting rid of its Korean residents would prove detrimental to Japan 's prestige.
There are very strong indications that Japan now is willing to devitalize the main principle of the guide book verification of free will. Also some other rules laid down in that book seem likely to be changed despite CICR 's stand.
It is now clear to the whole world that those persons showing up at the registration offices and later boarding vessels bound for the northern part of Korea have not acted on their own free will but have been forced to do so -- due to coercion by the Korean communists under the most malicious political scheme.
It should be noted that the Republic of Korea -Japan Overall Talks are now underway, and that the Committee on the Problems of Korean Residents in Japan is in session and discussing means to effect repatriation to the Republic of Korea of Korean residents in Japan.
One of the subjects being discussed is our demand that compensation be paid to such Korean repatriates for the hardships they have suffered,
The Republic of Korea side is now considering a Japanese proposal. Thus, there are hopes for a fair solution of the Korean residents problem.
But there will be no solution if the Japanese side, at this moment when progress is being made in the Republic of Korea -Japan talks, would encourage the movement for a scrap-the-principles compromise with Pyongyang.
At this crucial juncture, I find it necessary as Republic of Korea Ambassador to Japan to strongly warn the Japanese side to disentangle itself from the dishonorable and inhumane course of action now being contemplated.
If Japan should pursue this course, relations between our two countries would enter into a dangerous state that might lead to tragedy.
Japan 's current course must be halted as it would block a solution of all problems pending between Our two countries."
ENDIT
PRESS RELEASE (FOR "Immediate RELEASE)

Korean Mission in Japan

November 5, 1959

Republic of Korea Ambassador Yiu Tai Ha today urged the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Free World "to take note of the fact that when some 4,000 Koreans yesterday registered for so-called repatriation to the communist-held northern Korea, they did so in groups of 20-30 households and under the leadership and strict control of a communist political organization."
The Republic of Korea envoy added: "This means that the CICR rule calling for registration 'on a strictly individual and voluntary basis, is as dead as a stone."
Yiu's statement read:
I urge the International Committee of the Red Cross (CICR)
and the Free World to take note of the fact that when some 4,000 Koreans yesterday registered for so-called repatriation to the communist-held northern Korea, they did so in groups of 20-30 households and under the leadership of and strict control of a communist political organization.
This means that the CICR rule calling for registration 'on a strictly individual and voluntary basis' is as dead as a stone.
As there still seems to be a lot of confusion in the Free World in regard to Japan 's allegedly humanitarian deportation program, I find it necessary to briefly review same basic facts.
As only a few hundred Koreans applied for registration when the program started last September, the Japanese authorities agreed to communist demands for revisions in the so-called 'repatriation guide book.'
The CICR has never accepted these revisions. In a statement issued on October 31, the CICR warned that four basic principles must be adhered to and that first when the procedures have 'been put to test can the CICR be in a position to make known to the (Japanese) Society whether this procedure corresponds to the said principles, consequently whether the assistance which the International Committee has been asked to give is still possible.
The first and most important of the four principles listed by the CICR said, 'the repatriation of Koreans in Japan is on a strictly individual and voluntary basis.'
But what did actually happen when the so-called repatriation procedures were resumed yesterday?
1. The communists pulled the strings. The Korean communist political organization known in Japan as 'Soren ' had informed the Japan Red Cross that it would see to it that 5,000 Koreans registered during the first three days. This figure was mentioned in advance announcement both by 'Soren ' and the JRC. Yesterday's turnout at the registration stations demonstrated that the so-called applications were filled under
the virtual dictation and the time table of the communist political organization.
2. To ensure obedience and discipline, to make absolutely sure that no applicant would change his mind, 'Soren ' made the 'repatriates' march to the stations in groups of 20-30 households. The Japan Red Cross officers closed their eyes to the fact that these group applications constituted a clear violation of the CICR rule for registration on a 'strictly individual and voluntary basis.
3. Only those who had been specifically told, that is ordered, by 'Soren ' to register yesterday did turn up on the desired date and hour.
4. This dismal spectacle proves once again that no man willingly chooses to live under communist rule and that only efficient and ruthless string-paling by a communist organization can bring about deportation to communist slavery.
The only encouraging elements in this tragedy is that there is still time to stop this crime against the Korean minority group in Japan.
When asked on November 2 by newsmen about 'Soren 's activities, Mr. Otto Leaner, the CICR delegation chief in Japan, said this was a very 'serious question,' adding that CICR might have to withdraw from its role if it were proved that the resumed repatriation program was being carried out under political instructions and on a group basis.
I sincerely hope that the CICR will take note of yesterday's clear violation of the ICRC rules and hope that the Geneva organization will reexamine the whole situation.
Yesterday was Black Wednesday a black day for the Free World, and especially black for Japan, the nation that launched the Pacific
War by referring to 'peace' and 'humanitarianism,' the nation which also today speaks with such enthusiasm about 'humanitarianism' while collaborating with communist enslavers and string-pullers.
ENDIT
PRESS RELEASE (For Immediate Release)
KOREAN MISSION IN JAPAN

November 7, 1959

The Republic of Korea Mission in Japan today issued this statement to the press:
Yoshisuke Kasai, Vice President of the Japan Red Cross, admitted in a statement to the press Thursday night that the registration of Koreans for the so-called repatriation to the northern part of Korea is being 'conducted collectively' though the International Committee of the Red Cross has called for registration 'on a strictly individual and voluntary basis."
But in another dazzling performance of verbal acrobatics, Kasai at the same time alleged that his organization still was 'respecting the free will of the individuals concerned.'
Oil is oil and water is water, but the Kasai statement proves that the Japanese side is willing to mix anything in order to achieve the desired goal; elimination of the Korean minority group in Japan.
Kasai is mixing two parts of communist organization pressure with three parts of flat you-better-register-at-our-so-and-so orders. The resulting Kasai cocktail contains nothing of the free will that is supposed to be the driving force behind the deportation program. Any kind of reasoning along the lines displayed in Kasai's statement would normally draw laughter. But as the fate of thousands of people is at stake, attempts must be made to check Japan's repatriation-at-any cost' program.
These facts cannot be disputed:
1. A communist political organization (Soren ) is controling every facet of the 'repatriation' program. For a period of over a month,
not a single Korean turned up at the so-called registration offices -- when 'Soren ' had ordered a boycott, a boycott that ended first when the communist demands for the revision of the so-called 'guide book ' were met;
2. The would-be repatriates are turning up at the registration offices in groups, registering in groups, and on date and hours designated by 'Soren '. If the Japan Red Cross, as it claims, wants to respect the free will of the individuals, why does it allow the existence of
a communist timetable? Why can't the would-be repatriates be given time to consider the problem, why must they be packed off in groups?
The answer is painfully clear; if the JRC acted to stop the activities of the communist political organization and really tried to live up to the principles laid down by the CICR, there would not be any 'repatriation' to the northern part of Korea.
Kasai, one of the key men behind the deportation drive, may continue to mix group pressure and individual free will, but the Free World must no longer let itself be fooled by Japan's false argumentation.
ENDIT