> Paikbum Data > Handwritings
Quotations
|
||
| Dear compatriots at home and abroad! Clinging to the last bastion of fascist robbery, the Japanese imperialists signed the instrument of surrender on September 2. In the midst of the rejoicing of the world over the defeat of the Japanese imperialists, in the midst of the 30 million Korean people over the liberation of our country, at the time this government is about to advance to the homeland after thirty years’ waiting day and night, and inconsideration of policy held by the this government before the absolute majority of compatriots who have supported and encouraged this government for complete independence of homeland and those who have strenuously struggled together with this government, even during the time of several exiles, in order to achieve the independence, I, President of the Government, would like to tell you that I have an extreme sense of feeling in my mind. The rise and fall of a nation and a people is never accidental. If there were many disgraceful factors in the breakup of our national fortunes, it is no wonder that the people of the nation would have made extraordinary and unremitting efforts to liberate the country today. How could the liberation of our country have been possible if it had not been for the precious blood sacrifice of our forefathers and the brilliance of our allies, including China, the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom? At this time, therefore, when we are looking forward to the safety of our country’s independence, we shall first recall the deeds of our forefathers and pay them homage with our full hearts and we will extol the deeds of our allies and express our fervent sympathies. The current stage we are in is a transitional one, as we are about to enter the founding period, as stated in the Platform for the National Foundation. In other words, while the task of restoring the sovereignty has not yet been fully completed, the initial period of founding nation is about to begin. Therefore, our current missions are many and complex, and our responsibilities are grave. We must clearly recognize that our every word and deed has an impact on the completion of our country’s independence, and we must first carefully analyze and make clear judgments in all our affairs, and then courageously deal with them based on clear judgments. At this time, the government formulated and promulgated the current policy as follows. This is to declare the policy of this government situated in this circumstances to the people of the world, and to serve as a guide for its future course. It is also to serve as a guide for the immediate course of our fellow countrymen. Dear compatriots and brethren! Let us make efforts altogether for implementation of current policies of this Government in order to achieve independence of homeland and unity of people and promote the security between states and the peace of mankind Current Policy of the Provisional Government 1. This Provisional Government shall return to its home country as soon as possible. 2. (This Provisional Government shall) Have ties with the friendly nations of China, the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and others, who have fought for the liberation and independence of our nation, and cooperate in realizing the security and peace of the world in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. 3. Conclude friendship agreements and conduct diplomacy with the five important countries of the United Nations, China, the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France. 4. Actively cooperate in all necessary affairs during the period of the allies’ presence. 5. Participate in peace conferences and various international rallies and exercise Korea’s right to be heard. 6. Implement transitional measures necessary for the cohesion of the overseas mission and the development of the domestic mission, but actively endeavor to convene a meeting of prominent representatives of each class, each revolutionary faction, each religious group, and each provincial representative in order to establish an interim government at home until a formal government is established by a general election. 7. Upon the establishment of an interim government, recognize the mission of this Government as complete and transfer all of its offices and possessions to the interim government. 8. Organize the formal government under new charter based on the principles of an independent country, democratic government, and egalitarian society. 9. Continue to hold the responsibility by the officials of this Government in all domestic social orders and all external relations until an interim government is set up. . 10. Expedite the safety and return of compatriots and the relief of compatriots living at home and abroad. 11. Proclaim the nullity of all enemy decrees and the validity of new decrees, and pardon all offenses committed under enemy rule. 12. Confiscate enemy property and initiate the repatriation (of Japs) while consulting with allied forces. 13. Integrate Korean soldiers who were forcibly recruited by the enemy into the national army, but continue to negotiate with the allied forces. 14. Punish publicly and severely those who thwarted the independence movement and those who were traitorous. September 3, 1945, the 27th year of the Republic of Korea Kim Gu, President of the State Council of the Provisional Government |
