The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 64

64. Start by Drilling!

Assemblyman Teruya replied,

“We welcome the withdrawal of U.S. troops, but reversion to Japan is, in fact, a desperate measure.”

“…….”

“We harbor many grudges against the Japanese government, but Okinawa has no military presence and only tourism. The Japanese government has prevented the attraction of industrial facilities, making Okinawa dependent on them. Therefore, we cannot refuse reversion to Japan economically or militarily.”

The President leaked important information.

“Are you aware that the U.S. and Japanese governments are secretly pursuing the reversion of Okinawa?”

“A secret agreement? What’s the content?”

“Japan pays a huge amount of compensation to the U.S., and the U.S. can move and redeploy nuclear weapons and troops to Okinawa whenever they want.”

“Does that mean it’s not a complete withdrawal?”

“That’s right.”

Assemblyman Teruya was furious.

“How can this be! The Japanese government is deciding as it pleases without even asking the residents of Okinawa. Cunning Japan hasn’t changed at all!”

“How about pursuing separation and independence? After the U.S. military withdraws, the Korean military could advance instead of the Japanese military.”

“The Korean military?”

“That’s right. If Okinawa declares independence, Japan will be excluded because it is forbidden to dispatch combat troops overseas. If you then request the stationing of the Korean military, they can be deployed immediately.”

“Ah!”

“The U.S. also doesn’t want a military vacuum due to Okinawa’s tactical location, so they won’t oppose the stationing of the Korean military. Moreover, Korea is acting as a peacekeeping force in Vietnam on behalf of the U.S., so it’s natural.”

“Well, if only nuclear weapons are withdrawn, the residents won’t mind the Korean military instead of the U.S. or Japanese military. But the economic issue must be resolved first. Okinawa’s economy is highly dependent on foreign countries. Japan’s economic power is greater than Korea’s.”

“The economic problem will be resolved soon.”

“How so?”

“The 7th mining zone will soon surface.”

“Did you say the 7th mining zone? What is that?”

The assemblyman’s curiosity exploded at the unfamiliar term.

“It’s a continental shelf oil field.”

“Oil? Are you talking about petroleum?”

As the President explained the UN report and drilling plan, Assemblyman Teruya’s mouth dropped open.

“If things go as you say, Your Excellency, public opinion will turn around in an instant!”

“Assemblyman Teruya, please prepare, watch the situation, and exercise your political capabilities. Let’s do something good for both Korea and Okinawa.”

“I am deeply grateful, Your Excellency!”

* * *

Okinawa Assembly.

Assemblyman Teruya exposed the Japanese government’s atrocities from the platform.

“The Japanese government is pushing ahead with a secret agreement with the United States without asking our residents at all, while giving a large amount of compensation. The main content of the secret agreement is that it is not a complete withdrawal of the U.S. military, but that nuclear weapons can be redeployed at any time at the will of the United States.”

The chamber was greatly agitated.

Reporters also wrote diligently.

One assemblyman asked.

“Is the secret agreement information reliable?”

“Of course. I cannot reveal the source, but it was provided by a reliable informant. The truth of the secret agreement can be confirmed by directly questioning the Japanese government.”

Assemblyman Teruya shouted.

“As in the past, the Japanese government cannot be trusted. We must protect our island with our own hands. Our Okinawa must separate and become independent from Japan!”

* * *

Japanese Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister clicked his tongue while looking at the Okinawa newspaper.

The secret agreement suspicion article was emblazoned on the front page.

“How could this happen! If everything is revealed to the world, it’s not a secret agreement, is it?”

“…….”

The Minister of Home Affairs blinked.

The Foreign Minister, who had been urgently summoned, reported.

“Your Excellency, we have received a call from the U.S. side.”

“What did they say?”

“The U.S. government cannot accept the criticism that it is an ugly deal to hand over Okinawa in exchange for kickbacks, and blamed the Japanese government’s security.”

“What? Then are you saying that the secret agreement will be covered up as if it never happened?”

“So I coaxed the U.S. side, saying that both countries should deny the secret agreement theory for now, and execute it secretly when things calm down.”

“Good job. You must never break it off. Where did the leak come from?”

“…….”

The Minister of Home Affairs said.

“Your Excellency, more than that, the repair is first.”

“…….”

“The Okinawa local government is also clamoring for the truth of the secret agreement to be revealed. Independence theory is resurfacing in some parts of Okinawa.”

The Prime Minister spluttered and raged.

“This, this! Independence! Nonsense! Identify those who advocate independence and give them a hard time.”

“I understand, Your Excellency! Still, I think we should explain to Okinawa first.”

“Explain. That it’s just a rumor.”

“I understand.”

* * *

Cheongwadae [The Blue House, South Korea’s presidential residence] Press Room.

Reporters flocked to the news of the President’s special statement.

In front of the platform, a map panel dividing the sea from the West Sea [Yellow Sea] to Jeju South Sea into seven zones was on display.

The President appeared.

He grabbed the platform with both hands and solemnly declared.

“In accordance with international law, we declare the Southwest Sea continental shelf as the territorial waters of the Republic of Korea!”

The reporter seats were agitated by the sudden declaration of maritime territory.

“Accordingly, we divide the continental shelf territorial waters of the Republic of Korea into mining zones 1 to 7 and promulgate the Seabed Mineral Resources Development Act!”

The President declared those two sentences boldly and briefly and disappeared.

Instead, the Minister of Commerce and Industry came out and explained.

“The details of what Your Excellency has declared will be distributed to you now as press releases.”

The Public Affairs Office distributed press releases to reporters.

* * *

The Japanese Embassy in Korea.

The Japanese ambassador was receiving a call from the Japanese Prime Minister.

– Ambassador, what the hell is going on? Am I supposed to hear this news through foreign press?

“I’m sorry, Your Excellency!”

– How can we be backstabbed like this?

“I will immediately protest to the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and demand a retraction.”

“Don’t just think about how to save face. Do you think the Korean president will reverse what he declared in front of the entire nation?”

“…….”

“It looks like Korea will monopolize the vast oil reserves buried in the West Sea [Yellow Sea] continental shelf.”

“Your Excellency, please don’t worry too much. Korea doesn’t have the capability to drill the continental shelf right away. And declaring territorial waters isn’t something that just happens with a declaration. We can raise an objection with international organizations, turn it into a disputed area, and then take action.”

“I know all about those emergency measures. The ambassador should protest immediately, and if they refuse, threaten to withdraw the embassy.”

“Are you suggesting severing diplomatic relations?”

* * *

The President’s office.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs reported.

“They are threatening to withdraw the Japanese embassy.”

“Tell them to go ahead. We acted according to the law. Why is the neighbor interfering, telling me what to do in my own backyard?”

“That’s right. It’s the height of audacity.”

“The Japanese will try to use international organizations to play tricks. But we will silently proceed with effective control, so respond calmly. Also, inform the foreign press of the injustice.”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

A moment later, Chairman Jung arrived.

“Welcome, Chairman Jung!”

“Your Excellency, you summoned me?”

“There’s an urgent matter that needs to be taken care of.”

“When Your Excellency calls, there’s never been a non-urgent matter.”

“Oh, is that so? I’m sorry. What I wanted to ask was, can the drilling ship be moved right now?”

“It can be moved.”

“Then send the drilling ship to Block 7 immediately.”

“I understand, but the exploration isn’t finished yet.”

“There’s no time for that. We need to get a straw in first.”

“Pardon? Surely, you’re not actually going to drill?”

“Drive in a drill pipe. Anywhere.”

“Yes? Are we really drilling?”

“Yes.”

“We haven’t yet mastered the drilling technology. And we don’t have any drill pipes either. They are being imported, and it will take more than a month.”

“None of that matters. This is for political purposes. Preemptive occupation is important, even if it’s just idling.”

“Ah, I understand Your Excellency’s intention.”

* * *

Offshore Block 7.

Splash~

The oil drilling ship was anchored on the rippling waves.

Chairman Jung was personally directing the first drilling.

There was also a newspaper reporter on the deck who came to cover the story.

The reporter diligently captured the scene of the technicians working on the drilling rig with his camera.

From the captain’s room, Chairman Jung gave instructions over the radio.

“Lower the drilling rig!”

“Lowering!”

The drill was lowered into the sea.

The chief engineer, watching the scene, spoke to Chairman Jung with an uneasy expression.

“Chairman, I don’t know if this is okay.”

“Of course not. This drillship is for politics, not for excavation anyway.”

The exploration wasn’t even finished, but the drilling ship arrived and started drilling at an arbitrary location.

Moreover, they didn’t have the technology or equipment to drill hundreds of meters.

Nevertheless, the order was given to put the drill in the water and rotate it unconditionally.

Since there was no time to waste years until the technology was secured, the purpose was to first start drilling and firmly establish effective control over the area.

Chairman Jung warned the chief engineer.

“This is a secret. Never breathe a word of it!”

“…….”

“This is an order from the Blue House [Korean presidential residence]. If you open your mouth, you’ll become fish food. Keep that in mind!”

He tensed up at the mention of the Blue House.

“The Blue House! Yes, I understand, Chairman!”

Krrrrr~

The photographer repeatedly snapped pictures of the giant drill turning with a roar.

A few days later, a special article was published in the newspaper with the following headline showing the drilling scene:

“The First Vigorous Drilling Towards Becoming an Oil-Producing Country”

The real battle was the diplomatic war with Japan, who was rushing in like moths to a flame wearing wooden sandals.

* * *

Japanese Cabinet Meeting Room.

The Prime Minister and relevant ministers gathered and were furious.

The Prime Minister foamed at the mouth.

“They’re drilling right away! Immediately dispatch the Self-Defense Forces to create a disputed area!”

The Minister of Defense replied.

“Yes, Prime Minister!”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

“We are at a disadvantage under international law due to the continental shelf extension theory. But we must mobilize all physical, economic, and political means.”

“Then recover the loan.”

“Your Excellency, the loan has already been paid, and the recovery period is set separately.”

“Then what is the measure that Korea fears the most?”

“Pressure from the United States will be the most effective.”

“Ah, I see. We must demand it strongly during the visit to the United States for Kennedy’s inauguration ceremony.”

Whenever there was a conflict with Korea, Japan would often tattle to the United States.

Each time, the United States sided with Japan.

“And China is also on our side. We must take joint action.”

“That’s a good idea too. Contact China.”

Shortly after, the foreign ministers of China and Japan issued a joint statement.

“Korea has disrupted regional peace with its inappropriate declaration of territorial waters. We strongly urge that all measures be restored to their original state!”

Japan desperately needed the return of Okinawa in order to occupy Block 7.

The Japanese leadership focused all its national power on Washington.

However, President Park also embarked on a diplomatic journey.

He received an invitation to the inauguration ceremony and boarded a plane to the United States.