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January 24, 1953

Note: The Agreement entered into force, January 24, 1953.

Reference: This Agreement is also published in II DFA TS No. 1, p. 144.

Manila, January 24, 1953

SIR:

I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that the following is the understanding of the Japanese Government in connection with the survey of the sunken vessels in the Philippine territorial waters:

1. The Japanese Government shall perform, in its own responsibility the minute vessel-by-vessel survey of the sunken vessels which are located in the mine-cleared areas of the Philippine territorial waters and within fifteen meters frcm the sea surface.

2 The minute vessel-by-vessel survey refers to a minute survey to be performed as to each sunken vessel in order to collect all necessary data to determine whether the surveyed vessel should be refloated, or dismantled, or destroyed, or abandoned.

3. The minute vessel-by-vessel survey shall be performed, at the first stage, as to those sunken vessels which are located within the Bay of Manila inside the line which connects the point 120 34' 45" east long-titude, 14 26' 21" north latitude and the point 120 4.1' 47" east long-titude, 14 17' 12" north latitude.

4. The Philippine Government shall decide the order of the areas of Philippine territorial waters where the vessel-by-vessel survey shall be performed, following the Bay of Manila, and notify the order to the Japanese Government without delay.

5. The Philippine Government shall provide all the available data and information, including those concerning hazardous objects such as mines, which are necessary for minute vessel-by-vessel survey.

6. The Philippine Government shall, at its expense appoint a responsible liaison official and send him aboard the Japanese survey boat in order to be present at the minute vessel-by-vessel survey.

7. The Philippine Government shall take all possible measures to ensure the security of life and property of the Japanese who will be engaged in the minute vessel-by-vessel survey, and afford every facility to the Japanese survey group.

I have the honor to request Your Excellency will be good enough to confirm that this is also the understanding of the Philippine Government.

Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

Sir:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of today's date which states as follows:

[See Note I]

I have the honor to confirm that this is also the understanding of the Philippine Government.

Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.