AMBASSADE DU JAPON AUX PAYS-BAS
February 17, 1953
Messieurs les Ministres,
With reference to the Agreement between Japan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for Air Services signed today, I have the honour to state that the following are the understandings of the Japanese Government:
- 1.While the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recognise that for the time being administrative, legislative and jurisdictional authority in Okinawa is vested in the United States administration there under Article 3 of the Treaty of Peace with Japan, such recognition is without pjrejudice to any claim Japan may have to the residual sovereignty over Okinawa.
- 2.The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands understand that if Japan resumes the exercise of administrative, legislative and jurisdictional authority over Okinawa, the designated airlines of the Kingdom of the Netherlands would, from the date of such resumption, cease to exercise traffic rights at Okinawa; in which case the Government of Japan will enter without delay into negotiations with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in respect of such rights.
I have further the honour to request Your Excellencies to be good enough to confirm, on behalf of your Government, that these are also the understandings of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
I avail myself of this opportunity, Messieurs les Ministres, to renew to Your Excellencies the assurance of my highest consideration.
(sd.) SUEMASA OKAMOTO
To Their Excellencies
Mr. J. W. Beyen,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
and
Mr. J. M. A. H. Luns,
Minister without Portfolio
The Hague
