読谷村史編集室

OFFICE OF YOMITAN SON
Yomi-L

Subject: A Petition Concerning the Release of U.S. Military Use Lands in Yomitan Son

To: Mr. Jugo Toma
Chief Executive, GRI

Reference letters:
a. Yomi-L 182, to GRI; dated July 10 1957. Subject: Request for Release of Military Lands in Yomitan Son.
b. GRI-LA 777; dated July 25 1957. Subject: As above.
c. HCRI-L&L 602.5; dated Oct. 3 1957. Subject: As above.

Last year, the people of Hijabashi, Owan, Hija, Makibaru and Nagata had sincerely requested the release of U.S. use Military Lands, along the east side of Highway #1 as shown in attached sketch. The petition was disapproved by USCAR and so people concerned disappointed very much. However, they and whole people of Yomitan Son hereby earnestly request your special consideration for release of said area, a part of Hijabashibaru, Agaribaru, Kamejibaru and Taganibaru of Owan, along the east side of said Highway #1. This time, the area to be requested for release is reduced to about a half of former request (shown in attached sketch).

The reason for this petition is that the arable lands of 72% in Yomitan Son were taken as U.S, military lands and there are still many people who cannot return to their native village, residing in other Son or village for these 12 years after the war, and paying high-rate land rental.

If the area concerned is released, not only those people of Hijabashi and Owan, who have been obliged to live in other village can remove to their native town, but the area will do a great deal for economical development of this Son, becoming prosperous and lively commercial area along the famous Hija-Gawa scenery as it had been before the last world war Ⅱ.

You are, therefore, respectfully requested to take special consideration, in order that this earnest petition be approved by the U.S. authority.

TOSHIAKI IHA
Mayor of Yomitan Son