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Kurile Islands - 1990

Kurile Islands - 1990

Jacek Pałkiewicz
2006-06-17 15:59:04

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defeat, all of its territories were occupied by the Allied forces. The Allied Powers agreed that Japan proper would be under American occupation; Taiwan would fall under Chinese occupation; and that Sakhalin Island and the Kurile Islands would be occupied by the Soviet forces. Soviet forces occupied Shimushu Island in the Kuriles on August 18, and on August 27, moved as far south as Urup Island, which is the southernmost point of the Kurile Islands, and then retreated. However, after assuring themselves that American forces were absent, by September 3, Soviet troops dared to occupy Etorofu, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai islands. The occupation of the Northern Territories was wartime occupation carried out without bloodshed after the cease fire. Consequently, it was an issue that should have been finally resolved as a result of a peace treaty. It is reported that Joseph Stalin told President Franklin Roosevelt; " I only want to have returned to Russia what Japanese have taken from my country." Japan says that it is not bound by a secret agreement that did not legally transfer the southern Kuriles.

During a time of war, occupation of one country's territory by another can take place and according to international ar, the occupying country has the right to put the territory, based on military requirements, under its administration. However, at the same time, an occupying nation's obligation, including respect for the private rights of the residents are provided for by international norms including the 1907 Hague Convention respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land. Stalin ignored these international norms and incorporated the territories under occupation into its own territory by the Decree of Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, dated February 2, 1946. This act was executed without a peace treaty and was in complete violation of international law. However, under the totalitarian system, this annexation was disguised as if it were a legal act, and ...