January 14, 1959

No.256
According to Amb. Sawada, the indication at present is that the Japanese government will return to Korea those art objects in its possession and in the possession of its various agencies. As to the vessels issue, if Korea accepts Japan's stand to return only the vessels of Korean registry, it would be done. Sawada asked that we exert our efforts to settle the problems along the above lines as it was practically impossible for him to go any further.
With regard to the fisheries issue, Mr. Sawada again referred to the two suggestions he made on several occasions. (1. To limit the number of vessels and tonnage of catch. 2. To withdraw the Line to some degree) He asked that no political significance be attached to the Line as the term Peace Line implies but that a restricted area be established to which Japanese fishing vessels are not allowed entry say perhaps for a period of five years or so to ensure fishery conservation and during which time Korean fishing techniques will have improved. This suggestion is another method of settling the fishery issue, Sawada said.