Telegram from Allan Lightner to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State RE SEVIOL GRADES SECURITY INFORMATION 24-D Action Control: 8048 FE Rec'd: October 18, 1952 FROM: Pusan 7:38 p.m. Info SS TO: Secretary of State G L NO: 495, October 18 UNA USUN OLI NIACT CIA ARMY SENT DEPT 495; RPTD INFO CINCUNC, CG KCOMZ AND COMNAVFE DIP AIR 195; RPTD INFO TOKYO 82. NAVY P 1. Following is text FONOFF communication to Embassy No FA/ I POL 1923 dtd Oct 13 (received Oct 17) on sea defense zone, prize court, and Rhee line: "In ref to security of waters contiguous to Korea, the Ministry was informed by ur Embassy's note of 29 Sept 52 that a sea defense zone has been established by Gen Mark Clark, CINCUNC, for purpose of preventing introduction of contraband or entry of enemy agents into Korea territory. I, on behalf of Govt of ROK, have the pleasure of expressing its view that it, deeming the establishment of such defense zone to be timely but temporary war measure for conduction successfully the operation of UN forces, will readily observe and enforce the declaration." 2. "As regards trials brought against vessels to be captured for trespassing of said defense line and to be brought to Pusan, I take this opportunity inform you that this Govt promulgated, under date 4 Oct 52, an emergency order for trials of prize court and Presidential degree for establishment of a higher prize court in the national capital and a prize court in Pusan, to deal with prize cases which may arise, bringing rapid effec- tiveness such measures as have been declared for security of waters contiguous to Korean territory. 3. "In view importance of trials of the captured for keeping said defense zone effective as aimed, I sincerely request you use your good offices in requesting the CINCUNC as to rendering this govt the UN forces cooperation by turning over captured vessels to our prize courts for trial." 4. "Before Gen Clark's line was announced, our President's declaration, dated 18 Jan 52, drew a line for purpose maintain- ing peaceful relations between Republic of Korea and Japan, and we would like to ask you recognize this for the peace of the Pacific and good neighbor relations between these two countries. This zone does not (rpt not) affect any nation other than the Japanese. Furthermore, even the ships of Japanese nationality will be REPRODUCTION FROM THIS -209 COPY, IF CLASSIFIED, IS SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION PROHIBITED