694.95B6/9–2752: Telegram
No. 602
The Ambassador in Japan (Murphy) to the Department of State1
priority
1039. On his return from Korea last evening General Clark referred again to his intention to issue an order declaring coastal waters off the tip end of the Korean peninsula as a defense zone and asked that I make clear to the Japanese authorities the reasons for this action. In my conversation with Okazaki earlier this week I had discussed with him entry of Japanese patrol vessels only and had not mentioned fishing vessels. I invited Clark’s attention to the remarks attributed to General Herren in Pusan’s 384.2 According to that statement General Clark proposed to declare Korean coastal waters in question as restricted military zone barred to Japanese fishing vessels. Clark stated that this version is incorrect and that the order will be nondiscriminatory.
Last evening we advised FonOff that CINCUNC considering establish military defense zone on open seas in island areas between Cheju-Do and Korean mainland which wld close area to all vessels. FonOff indicated Japanese willingness cooperate with UNC and expressed hope restricted area (1) wld not be too large, (2) adequately and formally promulgated, and (3) nondiscriminatory in application, excluding all vessels regardless of nationality. Last point obviously aimed at ROK fishing vessels. Japanese Fisheries Agency expected comment and perhaps seek limited rights for controlled fishing in part of zone particularly during mackerel season.