On April 12, 1971, the extent of Okinawan territory to be returned to Japan was decided and on June 17, 1971, the Okinawa Reversion Agreement (Agreement Between Japan and the United States of America Concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands) was signed by both Japan and the United States. In "Regarding Article I," in the agreed minutes, the extent of "the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands" as defined in paragraph 2, Article I, of the agreement is given in terms of longitude and latitude. The same extent, including the Senkaku Islands, was given in Article I of Civil Administration Proclamation No. 27 announced on December 25, 1953. (Ref. 1)

In List A of the Memorandum of Understanding attached to this agreement, installations and sites that would continue to be used by US armed forces after reversion are listed. They include both Kobi Sho Range (No. 84: refers to Kuba Island) and Sekibi Sho Range (No. 85: refers to Taisho Island), which would be used as bombardment and shooting targets. (Ref. 2)

Ref.1　：Agreement Between Japan and the United States of America Concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands, Agreed Minutes.
In Diplomatic Bluebook 16, Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (Japanese).

Ref.2　：Memorandum of Understanding, List A.
In Diplomatic Bluebook 16, Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (Japanese).

Reference Materials
Waga gaiko no kinkyo (Japan's Recent Diplomatic Matters) 16 (1972).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Bluebook website.

→