363. Editorial Note
On May 17, 1965, President Pak met with President Johnson, who congratulated him on the progress of Korean negotiations with Japan (see Document 48). President Pak stated that negotiations could be completed in June and, despite internal opposition, believed an agreement would be concluded. President Pak met with Secretary Rusk on May 18 and briefly discussed the Korea-Japan negotiations. Secretary Rusk urged an early conclusion to the talks, but President Pak raised the issue of Tokto Island (Takeshima), to which both Korea and Japan laid claim, characterizing it as an intractable problem between the two countries. Secretary Rusk suggested erecting a jointly operated lighthouse, allowing both sides a share of the island and gradually diffusing the issue. President Pak commented that such a project “just would not work.” (See Document 50.)