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

694.95B/10–2352: Telegram

No. 607
The Ambassador in Japan (Murphy) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Tokyo, October 23, 1952—7 p.m.

1347. ReDeptel 991; rptd Pusan 251, October 17 re sea defense zone. CINCUNC has further informed Embassy that estab def zone was milit measure designed prevent attacks on Korea coast, secure UNC lines of communications and prevent entry of contraband or enemy agents into ROK territory. Also, action taken prevent altercations between ROK and Jap patrol and fishing vessels, which wld endanger stability of UNC sea lines and ROK milit capability.

Fol are answers Dept’s specific questions:

1. CINCUNC press release being implemented by naval orders issued thru COMNAVFE Tokyo and CTF 95 afloat. Orders do not specify what type vessels are to be excluded from zone. Operational commander auth decide in view existing conditions whether presence any vessel constitutes element of jeopardy to security UN operations, as stated in Emb’s note of Oct 13 to Jap FonOff.² No inspection has yet taken place but is auth in suspicious circumstances. Korean fishing vessels permitted operate in specified sanctuaries. No vessel is considered non-suspicious per se. A US frigate has been assigned command of the vessels patrolling zone and maintaining supervision thereof.

2. In discussion Jap Govt Emb has indicated it highly desirable Jap fishing vessels refrain operating this zone but that CINCUNC does not desire specifically prohibit fishing within zone by Jap vessels. Okazaki called on me this morning solely to discuss this issue and I told him that it preferable leave situation in present fluid status rather than press CINCUNC for specific interpretations, which if given must be unfavorable Jap operations.

3. CTF 95 instrs outlined para 1 above. Jap vessels apprehended by UNC patrol will be taken only to Sasebo.

4. No differentiation of areas in zone.

5. Since Oct 10 there have been several instances of violation of zone due to faulty navigation, weather and other reasons. Violating vessels were warned out of zone. Most troublesome area in southern waters near Cheju.

CINCUNC considers situation well in hand and that effective patrol being maintained in zone under UNC control. While attempting urge Jap not make issue out of estab sea defense zone, Emb considers we must be firm in resisting ROK efforts imputed to this zone support for “Rhee line”. Major operational difficulty presented by ROK patrol craft assigned to patrol one under control UN naval forces but CINCUNC control well established.

Jap FonOff presented note dated October 18 to Emb stating Jap fishing vessels operating in restricted zone wld take special measures cooperate with UN forces and avoid security risks. Text will be summarized in subsequent tel.³ In view of my conversation with Okazaki, believe FonOff now thoroughly conversant with Emb and CINCUNC position. Reply to Jap note now being drafted.⁴

Murphy

1. Repeated for information to Pusan (copy to CINCUNC).
2. Not found in Department of State flies.
3. Telegram 1348 from Tokyo, Oct. 23, not printed. (694.95B/10–2352)
4. See telegram 1397 from Tokyo, Document 609.