The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 69

69. Reversal

The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

“Chairman, the vote results are in.”

“What’s the outcome?”

“Out of 110 member states, 10 abstained, with 52 voting in favor and 48 against.”

“Whew, barely passed.”

“Indeed.”

It passed due to bloc votes from African, South American, Southeast Asian, and communist countries, all aided by Japan.

The results were immediately reported to the Japanese Prime Minister.

“Yoshi! Now there’s no turning back! Even America can’t do anything. How dare they covet Block 7!”

* * *

The Blue House [South Korean presidential residence].

The President received the distressing news.

The Foreign Minister bowed his head.

“I am sorry, Your Excellency! I tried everything, but my abilities were insufficient. I will take responsibility and resign.”

“If anyone should resign, it should be me first. It’s not over yet. There’s still a chance for a counterattack.”

“…….”

The President fell into deep thought.

Changing history isn’t easy. Is it ultimately up to the people of Okinawa?

* * *

The U.S. Secretary of State gave a phone interview on a news program.

The anchor asked,

“The 200-nautical-mile international law has passed. The outcome is different from what the U.S. intended. What will happen to the return of Okinawa?”

– China issued a statement yesterday, warning Japan not to provoke, as Diaoyu Dao [Senkaku Islands] and Taiwan are Chinese territories. It’s what we were concerned about. Therefore, the U.S. has indefinitely postponed the Okinawa withdrawal plan that was under review and decided to maintain the current state.

“The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force has landed on Okinawa, which is U.S. territory. How will you respond?”

– We consider it an invasion of U.S. territory. If it is determined to be a permanent station rather than a temporary training exercise, we will immediately resort to military suppression.

The U.S. government, which had been in a difficult position due to the exposure of the secret agreement with Japan, used this rejection as an opportunity to distance itself from the agreement.

“Secretary, there are reports that the movement for separation and independence is rapidly spreading in some parts of Okinawa. If Okinawa pursues independence, will you support it?”

– The United States stands for liberal democracy. Supporting the will of the people in any country aligns with American ideals.

The U.S. Secretary of State’s remarks fueled the separation and independence movement in Okinawa.

* * *

Tokyo.

The Speaker of the Okinawa Assembly met with the Japanese Minister of Internal Affairs.

He tried to meet the Prime Minister, but was rejected, so he met the Minister of Internal Affairs instead.

“Minister, the long-cherished desire of the Okinawan people is the withdrawal of U.S. forces and nuclear weapons. But this time, the Japanese government’s actions have made it all go up in smoke. What are you going to do?”

“Well, the withdrawal of U.S. forces was just one of the diplomatic issues being discussed. It was never confirmed, so the expression ‘gone up in smoke’ is quite inappropriate.”

“Are you really just trying to deny everything?”

“Deny? It’s just maintaining the status quo without further deterioration.”

“Immediately withdraw the Self-Defense Forces from Okinawa. Why station the Self-Defense Forces when there are U.S. troops there?”

“China is conducting military exercises in the Senkaku Islands, so we are responding. It will be handled according to the Ministry of Defense’s plan.”

* * *

Okinawa. Assembly.

Assemblyman Teruya gave a speech.

“The withdrawal of U.S. forces and nuclear weapons has been nullified due to the Japanese government’s excessive greed. Once again, we are disgusted by the Japanese government’s betrayal. The Maritime Self-Defense Force must be withdrawn from Okinawa immediately!”

“The Japanese government should apologize!”

“The U.S. should leave!”

The residents held banners and flocked to the Maritime Self-Defense Force base, shouting.

“The Self-Defense Forces should leave!”

“U.S. troops, withdraw the nukes!”

At that moment, dark shapes appeared one by one on the horizon.

Shoosh-

Thud!

It was the world’s strongest U.S. Pacific Fleet.

In the sky, U.S. fighter jets flew acrobatically, skimming over the Maritime Self-Defense Force base, threatening them.

Wheesh~

Whoosh-

The U.S. and Japanese forces, which had been conducting joint military exercises until recently, were now pointing their guns at each other.

Surprised by the might of the U.S. fleet, the Self-Defense Forces began to retreat slowly.

“Retreat!”

* * *

Assemblyman Teruya was interviewed by a local newspaper.

“I strongly condemn the Japanese government’s atrocities. With this, Okinawa has once again realized the inevitability of separation and independence. That is the only way to withdraw U.S. forces and escape the interference of the Japanese government.”

The editorial writer asked,

“The need for separation and independence is higher than ever. However, if the U.S. military and Japan leave, a security vacuum and, above all, an economic blow are expected. Is there a solution?”

“Of course. We have been negotiating with the United States behind the scenes.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“The United States wanted a U.S.-Okinawa security treaty as a condition for Okinawa’s independence, along with the withdrawal of U.S. forces. This means that if Okinawa is invaded, the U.S. military will intervene.”

“Then security is resolved.”

“And if Okinawa wants, they said they could station the Korean army, which is rebuilding in Vietnam, instead of the U.S. military.”

“Ah, the Korean army! That’s a much more encouraging prospect than the U.S. or Japanese army.”

“In addition, the United States and Korea are offering Okinawa 1/11 of the shares if they develop Block 7.”

The editorial writer’s voice trembled at the specific numbers.

“Does that mean Okinawa will become an oil-producing country?”

“Of course. This is a privilege that only sovereign states can enjoy. It is a privilege that can never be enjoyed while being affiliated with Japan and being discriminated against.”

This news spread not only in Okinawa but also through foreign media, causing a great sensation.

* * *

A New York Times reporter interviewed the Korean President.

“According to a Japanese Okinawa newspaper report, if crude oil comes out of Block 7, Korea, the United States, and Okinawa will divide it in a 1:5:5 ratio. Is this true?”

“That’s right. However, Okinawa still belongs to Japan, so it is based on the premise of Okinawa’s separation and independence.”

“It is widely believed that this secret agreement will stimulate Okinawa’s separation and independence and provoke Japan.”

“That’s putting the cart before the horse. Japan has already angered Okinawa. Okinawa has been yearning for separation and independence regardless of this agreement.”

“What are you going to do if separation and independence do not occur?”

“The continental shelf, including Block 7, is Korean territory, so we will promote offshore oil fields regardless of changes in the international situation.”

* * *

A telephone poll was conducted on Okinawa residents.

– Do you support Okinawa’s separation and independence from Japan?

The next day, the results were released.

66% in favor, 24% against, and 10% undecided, with the majority in favor.

This was a significant change compared to less than 20% in the past.

The poll results were featured prominently in local newspapers.

– Majority of Okinawa residents want separation and independence.

The Okinawa Assembly began the separation and independence process.

The Okinawa Separation and Independence Committee was established, and the Assembly submitted a separation and independence referendum to the U.S. government.

* * *

Gwanghwamun [major thoroughfare in Seoul, South Korea].

Five-colored confetti fluttered in the sky.

Wow~ Wow~

The Korean and U.S. flags were hung along the roadsides, and the unmobilized crowds were in a frenzy.

U.S. President Kennedy had visited Korea.

It was a schedule to visit Korea and Japan in turn.

The Korean President welcomed Kennedy as he had been welcomed on Broadway in the United States.

Kennedy waved and returned the greeting to the Korean citizens who were enthusiastically welcoming him.

* * *

The Blue House reception room.

The President reached out and shook hands with Kennedy.

“Welcome, President!”

“Thank you for the welcome.”

“We are returning the hospitality we received in the United States.”

“I admire Your Excellency’s tremendous gamble.”

“It was all possible because the United States helped.”

“I was very impressed by focusing the targets of international law, military power, economic power, and national power solely on winning the hearts of the Okinawan people.”

“When you take on a heavy responsibility, you tend to become bureaucratic, and you only see policies, institutions, countries, and company names, not people. It is natural for the people of Okinawa to decide the fate of Okinawa.”

“I will try not to forget that lesson throughout my term. Do you have any secrets to prevent bureaucratization?”

“Well, I don’t know if this is a secret, but I sometimes go on undercover inspections.”

“Undercover? Do you mean you go around hiding your identity?”

“Shh, this is a secret, so please keep it confidential.”

“Ah, I understand.”

Kennedy paid his respects at the National Cemetery and toured the tense Demilitarized Zone [DMZ, the border between North and South Korea].

The highlight was Kennedy’s visit to Jeju Island.

The Speaker of the Okinawa Assembly and Assemblyman Teruya were waiting on Jeju Island.

Kennedy toured the ‘Tamna-Ryukyu Historical Relics Exhibition’ and listened to the explanation.

The President explained it himself.

“Korea and Okinawa have a very close historical relationship. They are brother countries.”

“It’s amazing that they have the same roots historically. I thought it was just a political solidarity.”

“There is a Korean novel called *Hong Gil-dong jeon*, which tells the story of Hong Gil-dong fleeing the court and arriving on a new island to establish Yuldo Kingdom. It coincides with the route taken by Sambyeolcho [elite military units of Goryeo], who left Goryeo and built a new country, so Okinawa is also called Yuldo Kingdom.”

“Oh, Yuldo Kingdom!”

Hundreds of domestic and foreign reporters diligently captured the scene of Kennedy shaking hands with the Speaker of the Okinawa Assembly in front of a Goryeo tile.

Kennedy gave a speech at the Korean National Assembly.

“The United States will continue to maintain close relations with Korea in terms of security and economic development.”

Clap! Clap! Clap!

“The United States has approved the separation and independence referendum of the Okinawan people that it has received this time. If separation and independence are passed, the United States will conclude a security treaty with the Okinawan government and discuss the withdrawal of U.S. troops and nuclear weapons. I would like to invite the Speaker of the Okinawa Assembly to the United States.”

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The United States had publicly declared Okinawa as a de facto independent government.

If the vote passed, the Okinawan people would have their independent country recognized.

With Kennedy’s declaration from the United States, which holds sovereignty, the Okinawa separation and independence vote gained momentum.

* * *

Japanese Foreign Ministry reception room.

Kennedy, who was visiting Japan, and the Japanese Prime Minister held a private meeting.

However, with Kennedy virtually approving Okinawa’s independence during his visit to Korea, it was a disappointing schedule for Japan, which had prepared a huge bribe to prevent the submission of the independence referendum during his visit to Japan.

The Prime Minister said,

“Okinawa is clearly a local government of Japan. Please refrain from external actions by the United States that may be misleading, President.”

Kennedy said,

“You are greatly mistaken. Okinawa has not yet been returned and is under U.S. influence. The United States respects the wishes of the Okinawan people. In the future, if the Self-Defense Forces appear in Okinawa, it will be considered a violation of territorial waters and will be dealt with strongly.”

“Ahem. Your Excellency Kennedy, if we return Okinawa, we have prepared compensation of $200 million.”

“$200 million? Hahaha, that’s less than the amount of crude oil that can be drilled from Block 7 in a month. If you want to bet, shouldn’t you offer a higher amount than that?”

“…….”

Japan, which had been expanding its territory with money, fell into self-contradiction.

Kennedy said,

“If Japan continues to take actions that harm regional peace and weaken alliances, we will link it to the reduction of U.S. troops stationed in Japan.”

“Reduction?”

“We will also consider restricting U.S. exports to Japan.”

Kennedy unleashed a bundle of military and economic pressure cards.

Japan was trying to get rid of a boil, but it ended up adding another one.