Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 2

694.95B/10–1752: Telegram

No. 606
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Japan¹

confidential

Washington, October 17, 1952—10:48 p.m.

991. Urtel 1227 Oct 15.² In view accumulation polit issues involving US, Japan and Korea and US overall interest in no further deterioration relationships between Japan and Korea, Dept seriously concerned with developments re “sea defense zone”. In view fact Dept has no clearcut understanding many factors involving zone, Dept requests telegraphic report on present status zone, preferably in conjunction with CINCUNC and Emb Pusan with particular clarification fol points: (1) How is CINCUNC press release being implemented; are Jap fishing vessels excluded from zone or any area within it; what is status Korean fishing vessels in zone; what is nature of inspection taking place; are Jap fishing vessels per se considered non suspicious; (2) what position has been taken in discussions with Jap and Korean Govts; (3) what instrs has CTF–95 given to senior vessels with respect to fishing vessels in zone; (4) is there any differentiation of areas within zone; (5) what area is most troublesome.

While Dept recognizes complications involved in problem, particularly relationship ROK naval vessels to UN command, in view existing confusion unable give guidance or estimate seriousness problem with relationship other outstanding issues with ROK and Jap Dept suggests above requested report be followed by estimate situation and recommendations re further action.

Bruce

1. Drafted and approved for transmission in NA; repeated to Pusan.
2. In telegram 1227 Ambassador Murphy described continuing tensions between Japan and Korea, including an assertion by Minister Okazaki that ROK naval vessels had fired on some Japanese fishing vessels on Oct. 13. (694.95B/10–1552)