Text Fwd: US: Japan's Article 9 Impedes Interceptor Missile Collaboration

* Text Fwd from Rick Rozoff on Feb. 12, 2011

Kyodo News
February 12, 2011
U.S. says Article 9 limits close defense cooperation

WASHINGTON: Article 9 of the Constitution and Tokyo's interpretation of it restrict close defense cooperation between Japan and the United States, a recent U.S. congressional report says.

According to the "The U.S.-Japan Alliance," a report compiled Jan. 18 by the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress, in a situation involving North Korea, the Self-Defense Forces could not respond to a missile attack if the U.S. side were targeted, although the two countries have been integrating their missile defense operations.

In a section subtitled "Constitutional and Legal Constraints," the report calls Article 9 "the most prominent and fundamental" of all legal factors that "could restrict Japan's ability to cooperate more robustly with the United States."

It also says Japan's 1960 interpretation that the Constitution forbids collective self-defense "is also considered an obstacle to close defense cooperation."

"As the United States and Japan increasingly integrate missile defense operation, the ban on collective self-defense . . . raises questions about how Japanese commanders will gauge whether American forces or Japan itself is being targeted," it says, adding, "Under the current interpretation, Japanese forces could not respond if the United States were attacked."

During a visit to China in January, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said North Korea could pose a "direct threat" to the United States in five years or less as it "will have developed an intercontinental ballistic missile within that time frame."

The report says former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had spoken about the need to reconsider legal restrictions but efforts to alter the interpretation stalled after his resignation in 2007.

Referring to the divided Diet, where the Democratic Party of Japan-led coalition does not control the Upper House, the report says, "Tokyo has struggled to advance national security issues that would help to improve the alliance relationship."

It adds, "Ambitious plans like amending Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, passing a law that would allow for a more streamlined dispatch of Japanese troops, or altering the current interpretation of collective self-defense are far more difficult to accomplish, given the political gridlock."

New common goals

WASHINGTON: Japan and the United States held a high-level meeting Thursday to discuss new common strategic goals as part of efforts to deepen the security alliance, sources said.

The meeting in Washington drew director general-level defense and foreign officials following late-January talks at the deputy director general level.

Besides the strategic goals, Thursday's meeting is also believed to have taken up China's growing military presence, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the relocation of the Futenma military base in Okinawa, to lay the groundwork for a two-plus-two meeting involving the defense and foreign ministers of both countries.

The participants of the meeting may have also taken up bilateral cooperation toward stable use of space and cyberspace as they are expected to be included in a set of fresh common strategic goals.

The renewal of the common strategic goals, which were originally set in February 2005, was confirmed by Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and Defense Secretary Robert Gates at a meeting in Tokyo in January.

The update will likely be reflected in a new vision for the bilateral relationship when Prime Minister Naoto Kan visits the U.S., probably in June after the two-plus-two meeting, to meet with President Barack Obama.
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[Text Fwd: PSPD] S. Korea-Japan Military Pact should not be initiated, which will inevitably justify JSDF's military actions and bring a new Cold War

People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy

S. Korea-Japan Military Pact should not be initiated, which will inevitably justify JSDF's military actions and bring a new Cold War in Northeast Asia.

- It neutralizes the Article 9 of the Peace Constitution of Japan

On 4 January 2011, the Daily Yomiuri reported that South Korean and Japanese governments are promoting a joint declaration of enforcing comprehensive military cooperation between them. While denying any review on this agreement, The Korean government said that it would discuss about signing ACSA(Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement), GSOMIA(General Security of Military Information Agreement) and other issues at Korea-Japan Minister of National defence meeting next week. The government seems to monitor public opinion carefully while it emphasizes the military cooperation between two countries is being discussed at low level. However, this issue is not all about past history between Korea and Japan or national sentiment. It is dangerous to make any agreement or joint declaration for military cooperation between Korea and Japan because it could justify overseas operation of JSDF(Japanese Self-Defense Forces) and bring about the new Cold War in East Asia.

First of all, South Korea-Japan military cooperation agreement justifies Japan to maintain military forces and its usage which have been banned by the Japanese Constitution. Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution prohibits Japan from maintaining armed forces and an act of war by the state, playing a role of restricting expansion of Japanese military force and as fundamental principle for peace in Northeast Asia. As already known, however, the Japanese government showed its intention to amend this article in order to dispatch the JSDF overseas and get a right of collective self-defence from a long time ago. Therefore, if a military agreement or a joint declaration between South Korea and Japan is made in any form, it would mean that South Korean government consents to this move of Japan and contributes to expansion of its military forces by neutralizing article 9 of the constitution. It could also be an excuse for dispatching Japanese Self-Defense Forces into Korean peninsula. The Japanese Prime Minister's remark that JSDF could be sent to the Korean Peninsula on the pretext of contingency was controversial. It would become a reality, not just a happening.

Another problem is that it will necessarily bring about a new Cold War in Northeast Asia. The U.S. has taken Japan as an axis of alliance in Asia region for a long time as it had England in Europe, and at the same time, it has asked an increased military role to Japan. In this regard improvement of South Korea-Japan relation and military cooperation has been also required. The US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen said "Korea and Japan should try to make South Korea-U.S-Japan trilateral military training to happen, advancing from their past history" As a series of similar actions JSDF observed South Korea-U.S. joint military training and warships and corvettes of JSDF participated in PSI exercise. This reinforced military cooperation between Korea, U.S. and Japan aims to blockade China, which is rapidly growing its power. Therefore, enforcing Korea-Japan military cooperation would cause new Cold War between one side of South Korea-U.S.-Japan and the other side of North Korea-Russia-China. This is highly inappropriate in current circumstance of Northeast Asia where constructive role of China is more required for peace on Korean peninsula.

It should be emphasized that a military cooperation between Korea and Japan is not appropriate regardless of its level. It just helps expansion of Japan's military power and boosts Cold War structure in Northeast Asia, which is not over yet. Korean peninsula also could be entangled in regional power conflict and confrontation. The Korean government should avoid this situation. Any form of military agreement or comprehensive declaration of military cooperation between Korea and Japan would be intolerable.

January 5, 2011

People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy

Text Fwd: Koreans’ statement and signs for solidarity with peace-loving citizens in Japan 일본 평화 시민들께 보내는 한국인들 연대 성명 및 서명

_________________________________________
* Related blog 관련 블로그
Saturday, December 4, 2010
[국문 번역] [Petition Fwd] Urgent request for action: Japan is to lift the ban on weapons export
긴급 행동 요청: 일본이 무기 수출을 금지하는 조항을 해제하는 것을 막는 행동 부탁
_________________________________________

* 영문 이후 국문이 따릅니다.

Thanks, Koreans, to send their signs of will for solidarity with the peace-loving citizens in Japan. Thanks very much, M. S. Japan to give chance to express Koreans’ will. The Jeju Human Rights Center uploaded M.S.’s email to its website (Click Here) Thanks very much for doing that.

일본의 평화를 사랑하는 시민들과의 연대 의지를 위해 서명을 보내주셨던 한국인들께 감사드립니다. 한국인들의 의지를 표현할 기회를 주었던 일본의 M. S. 에게 매우 감사드립니다. M. S. 의 이메일을 웹사이트에 올려주셨던 제주 평화 인권 센터에 매우 감사드립니다 (여기 클릭하시길)
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Dec. 9, 2010

Koreans’ statement and signs for solidarity with peace-loving citizens in Japan

(1) We, Korean people supporting the struggle by the peace-loving people in Japan opposing the Kan Naoto diet’s attempt to lift the ‘ban on the arms export’ that has been upheld in the precious spirit of article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, are glad by the news that prime minister Kan Naoto has ‘made up his mind that he was not going to include the revision of the ban on weapon exports in the Basic Defense Plan to be issued on 17th’ and send our deep thanks and warm solidarity to peace-loving citizens in Japan who have eagerly fought to prevent its attempt for days.

(2) It was told that the hidden purpose of the Kan Naoto diet to lift the ban had been for the joint development by the Raytheon and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and their sale of the Standard Missile 3 throughout Europe and Asia. Since that would contribute to increase arms sale throughout the Asia Pacific region, to destabilize the same region of which tension has been intensified after the Cheonan ship incident, and to strengthen the ROK-US-Japan military alliance including the missile alliance targeting China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, we Koreans, along with our opposition movement against South Korea’s military build-up and arms trade, oppose some Japanese politicians’ attempt to lift the ban on arms exports.

(3) Raytheon, which is the fourth largest weapons company in the United States, has a deep relationship with the Patriot and Standard missile system in South Korea, as well. The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that has forcefully drafted Korean workers during the Japanese imperialism period is the 1st level war criminal company that has not made yet appropriate reparations to them. There have also been strong protests when it was designated as the contract company for the satellite Arirang of South Korea. We urge, not to mention South Korean arms production and trade companies such as Samsung, Hyundae, Daewoo, Hanhwa, Poongsan, but many international arms corporations to convert themselves into peace industry.

(4) Finally again, we, sending our warm and strong message of respect and solidarity to peace-loving people in Japan who struggle to protect the spirit of article 9 and to keep the peace of Japan and Asia, express our will for strong solidarity in the future ahead.

Dec. 9, 2010

34 Signatories of individuals & organizations as of Dec. 9, 2010
(* Alphabet order)


Choe Sang-Cheol, Workers' Institute of Social Science (WISSK), Seoul
Cheong Wooksik, Peace Network, Seoul
Choi Eun-A, Korea Alliance for Progressive Movement, Seoul
Choi Sung-Hee, Incheon
Han Sang-Jin
Hong Sung-Hak, Korean Professors Union, Chungjoo
Jeju Human Rights Center, Jeju Island
Jung Ae-Jung, Countermeasure Committee against the Leukemia, Samsung Semiconductor*, Gyunggi-do
Jung Woo-Soo, Korea Alliance for Progressive Movement, Seoul
Kang Sang-Won, Pyeongtaek Peace Center, Pyeongtaek
Kim Hwan Young, Korean Veterans For Peace, Gyeonggi Province
Kim Jong-Il, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Seoul
Kim Seong-Hwan, Representative, Samsung General Labor Union, Incheon
Kim Seung-Kuk, Peace Making, Seoul
Kim Sung-Kyun, Citizens’ Campaign for Media Consumer Rights*, Seoul
Kim Sung-Wook, Korea Alliance for Progressive Movement, Seoul
Kim Young-Je, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Seoul
Lee Haeng-Woo, Korean American peace activist
Lee Jung-Min, Seoul
Lee Kwang-Yeol, Supporting Committee for the Restrained Workers*, Seoul
Lee Kyung-Won, Pan Korean Alliance for Reunification, Seoul
Lee Tae-Ho, People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), Deputy secretary general
Lim Kyung-Ok, Samsung General Labor Union, Incheon
Lim Mi Young, Executive Secretary, Supporting Committee for Prisoners of Conscience, Seoul
Mo Sung-Ryong, Supporting Committee for Prisoners of Conscience, Seoul
Oh Hye-Ran, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Seoul
Oh Pyung Seok, Pan Korean Association for Reconciliation(Minhwaryon)
Pan Island Committee for the Prevention of the Jeju Military Base and for the Realization of Island of Peace, Jeju Island
Park Seung-Ho, Institute for Democratic Labor In Memory of Jun Tae-Il, Seoul
Pyon Yeon-Shik, Chairperson, Korean Catholic Federation for Justice
Shin Jung-Hyun, Worker, Gyunggi-do
Yeo Woo-Sung, Special Committee for the Reinstatement of the Laid-off Workers*, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions
You Young-Jae, Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Seoul
Workers' Institute of Social Science (WISSK), Seoul


2010 년 12월 9일

일본 평화 시민들께 보내는 한국인들 연대 성명 및 서명

(1) 우리 한국 민중들은 일본 헌법의 소중한 9조 정신에 담겨 있는 ‘무기 수출 금지’ 조항을 해재 하려는 간 나오토 내각의 시도에 반대하는 일본 평화 민중들의 투쟁을 지지하며 12월 7일 간 나오토 내각이 ‘17일 발표될 기본 방어 계획 (Basic Defense Plan) 에 무기 수출 금지 조항을 개정하는 것을 포함하지 않기로 했다는’ 소식에 반가움과 더불어 몇일동안 그것을 저지하기 위해 열심히 싸웠던 일본의 평화 시민들에게 깊은 고마움과 뜨거운 연대를 보낸다.

(2) 간 나오토 내각의 조항 해제 숨은 목적이 레이시온과 미쭈비시 중공업의 스탠다드 미사일 3 공동 개발과 유럽, 아시아등의 판매에 있었다 한다. 이는 천안함 사건 이후 긴장이 고조되었던 아시아 태평양 지역에서 무기 거래 판매를 더 증가시키고 지역을 더 불안정 하게 하며, 중국, 러시아, 이란과 북한을 겨냥한 미사일 동맹을 비롯한 한-미-일 삼각 군사 동맹을 강화하는데에 기여할 것이기에 우리 한국인들은 한국의 군사 증강, 무기 거래에 반대하는 한국내 평화 군축 운동과 더불어 일본 몇 정치인들의 무기 수출 금지 조항 해제 시도에 반대한다.

(3) 미국 네번째 무기 산업 회사인 레이시온은 한국의 패트리어트 및 스탠다드 미사일 시스템 계약과도 깊은 연관이 있다. 미쭈비시는 일제 시댸때 한국인 노동자들을 강제로 징용하고 아직도 합당한 보상을 하지 않는 전범 1호 회사이다. 또한 한국의 아리랑 인공 위성 발사의 계약 업체로 지정되자 한국인들의 강한 항의가 일어난 바 있다. 우리는 삼성, 현대, 대우, 한화, 픙산등 한국의 군수 생산 및 무기 거래 회사들은 물론이고 많은 국제 무기 회사들이 평화 산업으로 전환할 것을 촉구한다.

(4) 마지막으로 다시한번 우리는 헌법 9조의 정신을 수호하고 일본과 아시아의 평화를 위해 싸우는 일본의 평화 민중들에게 따뜻하고 힘찬 존경과 연대의 인사를 보내며 함께 같이 연대해갈 우리의 강한 의지를 밝힌다.

2010년 12월 9일

2010년 12월 9일 날자로 34 개인/단체 서명인들
(* 가나다 순)

강상원, 평택 평화 센터, 평택
김승국, 평화만들기, 서울
김성균, 언론소비자주권, 서울
김성욱, 진보 연대, 서울
김성환, 삼성일반노조, 인천
김영제, 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들, 서울
김종일, 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들, 서울
김환영, 한국 평화 재향 군인회, 경기도
노동 사회 과학 연구소, 서울
모성룡, 양심수후원회, 서울
박승호, 전태일을 따르는 민주노동연구소, 서울
변연식, 천주교 정의 구현 전국 연합 상임대표
신정현, 노동자, 경기도
오평석, 민족 화합 운동 연합, 서울
오혜란, 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들, 서울
유영재, 평화와 통일을 여는 사람들, 서울
여우성, 민주노총해고자복직특병위원회
이광열, 구속노동자후원회, 서울
이경원, 범민련 남측 본부, 서울
이정민, 서울
이태호, 참여 연대 협동 사무 처장
이행우, 재미 평화 활동가
임경옥, 삼성일반노조, 인천
임미영, 양심수후원회,서울
제주 군사 기지 반대와 평화의 섬 실현을 위한 범도민 대책위, 제주도
제주 평화 인권 센터, 제주도
정애정, 삼성반도체백혈병대책위, 경기도
정우수, 진보 연대, 서울
정욱식, 평화 넷워크, 서울
최상철, 노동 사회 과학 연구소, 서울
최성희, 인천
최은아, 진보 연대, 서울
한상진
홍성학, 교수노조, 청주

[국문 번역] [Petition Fwd] Urgent request for action: Japan is to lift the ban on weapons export 긴급 행동 요청: 일본이 무기 수출을 금지하는 조항을 해제하는 것을 막는 행동 부탁

_____________________________________________________
* Update 2 엎데이트2

Sunday, December 12, 2010
Text Fwd: Koreans’ statement and signs for solidarity with peace-loving citizens in Japan (click)
일본 평화 시민들께 보내는 한국인들 연대 성명 및 서명(클릭)
_____________________________________________________
* Update 1 엎데이트1

Tuesday, December 7, 2010
[국 문 번역] Text Fwd: [M. S.] Japan is not to lift the ban on weapon export, at least for a while(click)
일본은 적어도 잠깐동안은 무기 수출 금지 조항을 해제하지 않을 것입니다(클릭)
_____________________________________________________

* Image source: Click HERE 여기 클릭
( Images with captions sent from M. S. on Jan. 17, 2010. Korean translations were added)
(위의 이미지들과 캡션들은 2010년 1월 17일 M. S. 가 보낸 것으로 국문 번역이 추가된 것입니다.)

Click the images for larger views 이미지를 클릭하시면 확대됩니다.

* Image source: Google 구글
'SM3 (Standard Missie3) 스탠다드 미사일 3'

* Image source: Bruce Gagnon's Organizing Notes, Oct. 5, 2010
브루스 개그논의 조직 노트 블로그, 2010년 10월 5일

____________________________________________________
* Below is the urgent letter from M. S. Japan on Dec. 3, 2010. Please send protest email or fax to the address indicated as in the bottom of her email.
* 아래는 일본의 M. S. 로부터 2010년 12월 3일 온 긴급 이 메일입니다. 이 메일의 맨 밑 주소로 팩스나 이 메일을 보내 주시길.
____________________________________________________

Dear friends,

친구 여러분,

You might have read this below article by Wikileaks, and thought many of Japanese politicians have been already coaxed.

여러분은 아래 위키 리크스의 기사를 읽으셨고 많은 정치인들이 이미 감언이설에 넘어 갔을 거라 생각할 지 모릅니다.

http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2010/12/01/wikileaks-japan-coaxing-tokyo-on-its-arms-export-embargo/

That is true. And Japan's self-imposed peaceful policy of the ban on exporting weapons, which originates from the answer by the then prime minister to a question in a Diet session in 1967, is soon to be thoroughly lifted up, although part of it has already been relaxed towards the U.S.

그것은 사실입니다. 그리고 1967년 일본 내각 회기에서 질문에 대한 당시 수상의 대답에서 기인한, 무기를 수출하는 것을 금지하는 일본이 스스로 부과한 평화 정책은 미국에 대해서는 부분적으로 완화되었지만 곧 철저히 해제될 것입니다.

The reason for this move towards the liftup is because without it, the joint development of the land-based SM-3 by Raytheon and Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Co. would not even succeed,
in terms of its sale, especially to Europe, since the desired sale would be impossible due to the very existence of this ban based on the spirit of the Article 9 of Japan's constitution.

해제를 위한 이 움직임의 이유는 그것이 없이는 레이시온과 미쭈비시 중공업의 지대 기반 스탠다드 미사일 3의 공동 개발이 툭히 유럽으로의 판매에 있어 성공할 수 조차 없기 때문입니다. 왜냐하면, 일본 헌법 제 9조의 정신에 기반한 이 금지의 바로 그 존재자체 때문에 원하는 판매가 불가능하기 때문입니다.

Thanks to this ban, Japan had not sold weapons during days of the Vietnam War, nor to Saddam Hussein of Iraq before the first Gulf War even though at that time there were more than 20 countries to do so, with the U.S and U.K. big beneficiaries from such sales.

이 금지 덕분에, 일본은 베트남 전쟁 당시때 무기들을 판매하지 않았으며 당시 미국과 영국이 그러한 판매들로 수혜를 입으며 20개국 이상이 그렇게 했음에도 불구, 1차 걸프 전 전에 사담 이라크의 사담 후세인에게 무기를 판매하지 않았읍니다.

This simple fact explains how this ban has effectively worked for global peace. But if the ban is lifted, the currently small sized Japan's weapon manifacturers for self-defence weapons are sure to grow without dwindling in tandem with its counterpart in the U.S.

이 단순한 사실은 어떻게 이 금지가 세계 평화를 위해 효과적으로 작용했는지 설명합니다. 그러나 이 금지가 해제된다면, 현재 자위방어를 위한 작은 규모의 일본 무기 제조업자들은 그 짝 미국과 앞뒤로 나란히 하는 것을 감퇴함없이 확실히 증대할 것입니다.

（excerpt from the above Wikilieaks article:)

(위 위키 리크스 기사로부터의 발제)

- We would like to explain the President’s decision to you before our public announcement and before we speak with Russia. We are discussing this new European approach with Poland, the Czech Republic, and NATO, as we speak.―

_ 우리는 우리의 대중 공고 이전에, 그리고 러시아 인들과 논의하기 전에 대통령의 결정을 설명하고 싶습니다. 우리는 우리가 말하는 이 순간 이 새로운 유럽으로의 접근을 폴란드, 체코 공화국, 그리고 나토와 함께 토론하고 있읍니다. -

If we could and would like to stop the near future massive sale of that kind of missiles to Europe, and maybe later to India and Southeast Asia as well, now is the only time.

우리가 유럽으로, 그리고 아마도 후에 인도와 동남아에 이러한 종류의 거대한 판매를 막을 수 있고 막으려 한다면, 지금이 유일한 시간입니다.

Our Diet dissolved on Dec.3rd, and on Dec.10th, the Cabinet is to issue its Basic Defense Program, highly likely with the revision of the Ban on Weapons Export inserted in it.

우리의 내각은 12월 3일 결의하였고 12월 10일, 대통령 자문 위원회는 무기 수출 금지 개정이 삽입된 것과 함께 기본 방어 프로그램을 발표할 것입니다.

For these few days, you could help Japanese peaceful citizens with stopping this process, by sending this email to your friends, and/or sending yourself opposition emails or faxes beginning with a phrase like this in English :

이 몇일동안 여러분은 일본의 평화 시민들이 이 이메일을 여러분 친구들에게 보내고 또는 여러분 스스로 아래와 같은 영어 제목으로 시작되는 반대 이 메일을 또는 팩스를 보내 이 과정을 막는 것을 도울 수 있읍니다.

................................................................................

― Stop the revision of the Ban on Weapons Export　―
to below addresses:

_ 아래의 주소로
'무기 수출 금지 개정을 멈춰라' 라는 제목으로 보내시길.

Prime Minister : Kan Naoto:
간 나오토 수상
email 이메일: kan-naoto@nifty.com
fax from overseas 해외로부터의 팩스:: 81-3-3595-0090

Chief Cabinet Secretary : Yoshito Sengoku:
내각 장관상: 요시토 센코쿠
Email 이메일: office@y-sengoku.com
Fax from overseas 해외로부터의 팩스: 81-3-3508-3235

Party Secretary General : Katsuya Okada
Democratic Party of Japan
일본 민주당 당 사무 국장: 카츠야 오카다
Party Fax: 당 팩스: 81-3-3595-9961
Email 이메일: webmaster@katsuya.net
Fax from overseas 해외로부터의 팩스: 81-3-3502-5047

................................................................................

You could send peaceful pressure to our politicians who have been for over 10 years under pressure to lift the ban by economic circles of the U.S. and of Japan.

여러분은 지난 10년 동안 미국과 일본의 경제 그룹들에 의해 금지를 해제하도록 압박 받아온 우리 정치인들에게 평화적인 압력을 보낼 수 있읍니다.

Thank you in advance.

미리 감사드립니다.

Best regards,

성심으로,

M. S.

M. S.

A Japanese member of Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space

우주의 무기와 핵을 반대하는 글로벌 넷워크 일본 자문 위원

space4peace.org

[국문 번역]Text Fwd: Protest appeal against the Deployment of PAC 3 in Kurume City, Fukuoka, Japan 일본 후쿠오카현 구루메 시 PAC3 배치에 반대하는 항의 호소문

* Image source 자료 출처 : Kouichi Toyoshima and Anatakara.com

“We could not stop deployment of PAC3 to Kurume, but we have got many supports from abroad,
as well as from this country. I, as one of the coordinators of PNET, released a statement yesterday
and a local paper Nishinippon reported about it today.”
( sent by Kouichi Toyoshima on Feb. 25, 2010)

“우리는 구루메시에 PAC3 가 배치되는 것을 막을 수는 없었으나 [일본과] 해외로부터
많은 지지들을 얻었읍니다. PNET 코디네이터의 한 사람으로 어제 성명을 발표했고
지역 신문 니쉬니폰이 오늘 그 것을 기사화했읍니다.”
(2010 년 2월 25일 코우이치 토요시마 보냄)

(Source: Google)

Click for image for larger view
이미지를 클릭하시면 이미지 확대됨

Fukuoka Prefecture map 후쿠오카 현 지도
(Source: Google)

Click for image for larger view
이미지를 클릭하시면 이미지 확대됨
______________________________________________________________________________________

* For the related blog, go to HERE.
* 관련 블로그는 여기를 가시길.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Source 자료 출처: Anatakara.com (and also in ad9.org)

Protest appeal
항의 호소문

24 February, 2010
2010년 2월 24일

* By Koichi Toyoshima, Professor of the University of Saga
* 코우이치 토요시마, 사가 대학 교수

We protest against the deployment of PAC3 into the City of Kurume, and urge citizens of the city to stand up for eliminating the dangerous space war machine.

우리는 PAC3를 구루메 시에 배치하는 것에 대해 항의하며 위험한 우주 전쟁 기계를 없애기 위해 시의 시민들이게 일어나라고 촉구합니다.

Today, on Feb.24th, PAC3 was secretly deployed to Kouradai in the City of Kurume.

오늘 2월 24일, PAC3 가 구루메 시 쿠라다이에 비밀스럽게 배치되었읍니다.

This was the very day when we, P-Net, were supposed to have answers from the city authorities to our questions, after they had postponed it. They told us, on the very day of the deployment, that they would not ‘disclose the date of deployment. ‘

이는 우리 P-Net이 우리 질문에 대한 시 당국들의 대답을 그들이 연기했었던 이 후 받기로 된 날이었읍니다. 그들은 배치 바로 그날 우리에게 “배치 일정을 공개하지’ 않을 거라 말했읍니다.

This notification has become their actual refusal to answer our questions.

이 공고는 우리의 질문에 대한 그들의 실제 거절이 되었읍니다.

PAC3 deployment into Kouradai is part of the space militarization once called ‘Star Wars,’ which inevitably would doom the city to one of its established positions. For the City of Kurume to allow this deployment goes against ' The Declaration for Peace and the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons' the city itself adopted.

쿠라다이에 PAC3를 배치하는 것은 ‘우주 전쟁’이라 불리우는 우주 군사화의 일부분으로 그것은 시를 어쩔 수 없이 그 것의 건설된 일 부분으로 이끌고 말 것입니다. 구루메 시가 이 배치를 허락하는 것은 시가 채택했던 ‘평화와 핵무기 폐지를 위한 선언’에 역행하는 것입니다.

We are very disappointed at the content of the reply, almost business-like, having no reference to the issues we have questioned, as if to say that the city will not meddle in what the central
government does, being in obedient compliance with its direction. This attitude tells us that
the Mayor has almost abandoned his duty as head of this municipality.

우리는 마치 시가 중앙 정부의 방향에 복종하는 고분고분함으로 그 하는 일에 간섭하지 않을 거라 말하는 것처럼, 우리가 질문했던 이슈들에 대해서는 언급도 없이 비즈니스와도 같은 내용의 대답을 한 것에 대해 매우 실망합니다. 이러한 태도는 시장이 이 시읍면의 수장으로 그의 의무를 거의 포기했음을 말합니다.

From the reply by Mayor, we cannot see at all whether or not he has considered several messages sent to him from inside and outside Japan, including Prof. Toshihide Maskawa, the Nobel Prize winner for physics, and Mr. Bruce Gagnon, a peace activist in the USA, and Sung-Hee, Choi and Wooksik Cheong , peace activists in South Korea.

시장의 대답으로부터 우리는 그가 노벨 물리학상 수상자, 토시히데 마스카와 교수, 미국 평화 활동가 브루스 개그논, 그리고 한국 평화 활동가, 최성희와 정욱식등으로부터 온 일본 국내와 외국의 몇 가지 메시지들을 고려했는지 안했는지 전혀 알 수가 없읍니다.

As in the messages sent by Korean activists, military buildup can never be progressed without
enhancing regional tension. Additionally, this is the MD system with the overwhelming attack
capability operated jointly by the US forces and JSDFs, with the latter likely to have the
unconstitutional‘ war potential’ to attack its opponent’s soil. Therefore, it is easy to imagine
our neighboring countries may feel threatened.

한국 시민들이 보낸 메시지에 있는 것처럼, 군사적 축적은 지역적 긴장을 강화하지 않고서는 진전되지 않습니다. 게다가 이는 미국 군대와 일본 자위대에 의해 연합 작전되는 압도적인 공격 능력을 가진 MD 시스템으로 [자위대는] 그의 반대자의 땅을 공격할 ‘비헌법적’ 전쟁 잠재성을 가질 가능성이 높습니다. 그러므로 우리 이웃 국가들이 위협받는 것으로 느낄 것은 쉽게 상상이 됩니다.

Now, it is our turn , as citizens of Kurume, Fukuoka, to be asked on war and peace with a
familiar question whether we should accept this deployment, thinking PAC3 could intercept
a missile conveniently coming into its range or we should envision the regional peace by
attaching importance to the process of the détente in East Asia and trust-building in the region.

이제 후쿠오카 [관구] 구루메시 시민들로서 PAC3가 거리내 도달하는 미사일을 요격할 수 있는 것을 생각하며 우리가 이 배치를 받아들일 것인지 우리가 동북아 긴장 완화 과정의 중요성을 부여하여 지역적 평화를 전망할 것인지 전쟁과 평화라는 낯익은 질문을 받는우리의 차례입니다.

This is not only a regional matter but also a question of gravity, transcending the localism,
demanding imagination on our part.

이는 단지 지역적 문제가 아니라 우리의 입장에서 상상을 요구하는 것으로 지역주의를 초월하는 중대한 문제입니다.

Let’s unite the wisdom and action of every one of us, as a resident in this city, one in this prefecture.

이 현의 하나인 시의 거주자로서 우리 각자의 지혜와 행동을 모읍시다.

Koichi Toyoshima, Professor of the University of Saga

코우이치 토요시마, 사가 대학 교수

Coordinator
Kyushu Network of Anti-PAC3 and Pro-Article 9 Movements

코디네이터
큐슈 넷워크 PAC3 반대와 헌법 9조를 지키는 운동

http://pegasus1.blog.so-net.ne.jp
http://stop-pac3.blog.ocn.ne.jp/blog/

[Text Fwd] On the Question of Japan’s involvement in Afghanistan

* Below is the E mail reply from Makiko Sato on Dec., 14, 2009, on ‘No Base Stories of Korea’s question of Japan’s involvement in Afghanistan. Thanks very much, Makiko, I really appreciate your research and information.


'I've looked for the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
I don't think many Japanese citizens regard the counter-piracy activities
of Japanese SDFs already on duty as some side-assistance of the Afghan War
to begin in Jan, even if some foreign media reports so.

・as for the counter-piracy activity by Japan

150 troops from the MSDF and GSDF is on duty now
for patrol against piracy with two '*escort destoyers' and two P3C s of MSDF.
The number of troops has been decreased from 400 under the former ruling party
to the present 150 under the ruling coalition.

*Sazanami, Samidare : DD, without cruise missiles for land attacks.
(Destroyers of Japan are not equipped with cruise missiles, wiki says.
This is because cruise missiles are unconstitutional.)

・as for the Japan's policy of finatial assistance of the Afghan war.

immediate assistance: ￥80 billion (* ￥is presently very strong)
already promised: ＄　2 billion
in 5 years from 2009: ＄　5 billion
http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/terrorism/strategy0911.pdf
。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。

But of course under the former ruling party, some unconstitutional
ASDF activities were done with the request of the US forces, as to the Iraq War.
However these activities—delivering the US troops and weapons to Iraq —
were ruled unconstitutional by Nagoya high court, although
the overall dispatch itself of ASDF to the Indian Ocean for oil supply
was not ruled so.

This was the important victory for the several hundreds of citizens who
filed lawsuits in several areas in Japan, questioning the unconstitutionality
of the SDFs' activity under the US command.

Now the present ruling coalition, with a tiny presense of tenatious peaceful party,
the Social Democratic Party, will not dare, because of the lawsuit ruling,
to tread on the controversial ground of unconstitutional assistance of any war
so easily as Koizumi did.
。。。。。。。。。。。。。

But of course under the former ruling party, some unconstitutional
ASDF activities were done with the request of the US forces, as to the Iraq War.
However these activities—delivering the US troops and weapons to Iraq —
were ruled unconstitutional by Nagoya high court, although
the overall dispatch itself of ASDF to the Indian Ocean for oil supply
was not ruled so.

This was the important victory for the several hundreds of citizens who
filed lawsuits in several areas in Japan, questioning the unconstitutionality
of the SDFs' activity under the US command.

Now the present ruling coalition, with a tiny presense of tenatious peaceful party,
the Social Democratic Party, will not dare, because of the lawsuit ruling,
to tread on the controversial ground of unconstitutional assistance of any war
so easily as Koizumi did.
。。。。。。。。。。。。。

As for the SDFs, yes, anybody abroad may think they are actual forces capable of war.
But of course Article 9 still works and prohibits some edges as attack weapons.
And referring to SDFs as usual forces may lead to complying to the US wishes to
convert Japan's SDFs into real forces which can go easily to war along with the USA,
like those of South Korea. So and so, I try not to call Japan's SDFs Navy, Army,,,,,
Many citizens who don't want to see Article 9 collapsed by the US never
refer to our SDFs as Air Force, Marine,,, etc.

Anyway, citizens have to be watchful of this matter so as not to be betrayed again.
Makiko'

[Site Fwd:][Japan] Two letters to the Japanese Government on Oct.19th, 2009,

* The site below, forwarded, was loaded and informed by Makiko Sato (seamesky@sand.ocn.ne.jp) on Nov. 13, 2009. (Thanks very much, Makiko)


ロバート・ゲイツ国防長官訪日前日(2009年10月19日）

　　　　　　　　　　　　　日本政府への二つの手紙　

　　　　　　　　-　Two letters to the Japanese Government on Oct.19th, 2009,
　　　　　one day before the visit to Japan by R.Gate, US Secretary of Defense　-

His Excellency D. Yukio Hatoyama 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Ｐrime Minister of Japan 　　　　　　　　　　日本国総理大臣鳩山由紀夫殿 　Tokyo, 19th October 2009 　2009年10月19日　東京 　Re: World March for Peace and Nonviolence 「平和と非暴力のためのワールドマーチ」よりの返礼 　Prime Minister, 　総理大臣殿 　Thank your for acceding to our request and receiving a delegation of 　the World March for Peace and Nonviolence during our journey through Japan. 　私たち「平和と非暴力のためのワールドマーチ」派遣団の日本通過に際し、 　外務省への表敬訪問の求めを認め迎え入れて頂き感謝いたします。 　This is an initiative of the humanist organisation, World without Wars 　and without Violence and counts on the support of over 2000 　organisations and numerous personalities around the world, including 　eight Heads of State, 11 former Presidents, numerous Nobel Peace 　Laureates and important personalities and international associations 　in all fields of human endeavour. 　この運動は、人道主義組織である「ワールド・ウィズアウト・ウォー・ウィズアウト・ 　バイオレンス」のイニシアチブによるもので、2000以上の団体、８人の国家元首、 　１１人の元大統領、多数のノーベル平和賞受賞者、そしてあらゆる人的活動に 　おいて重要な働きをしている個人や国際的組織の賛同を受けて行われています。 　The March ｓtarted in New Zealand　on the 2nd of October 2009, a date 　that commemorates the birth of Gandhi, “International Day of Nonviolence”. 　We have already passed through 9 countries; New Zealand, Australia, 　Malaysia,　Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Korea and Japan. In 　Hiroshima we were presented with the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Protocol for 　the total elimination　of nuclear weapons throughout the world. We are 　officially incorporating this document into the WM. 　ワールドマーチは、ガンジー生誕記念の「国際非暴力の日」である、10月2日に 　ニュージーランドで始まり、オーストラリア、マレーシア、フィリッピン、バングラデシュ、 　ネパール、インド、韓国を経て、ここ日本ですでに９ヶ国目となります。広島では、 　私たちは世界中から核兵器を全廃するための「広島-長崎議定書」を授与されました。 　私たちはワールドマーチ運動にその文書を公式に組み込んでいきます。 　 　After Asia, the WM will pass through the other five continents and 　culminate in Argentina　on the 2nd of January 2010. 　アジアの後、ワールドマーチは他の５つの大陸を通り抜け、2010年１月２日に 　アルゼンチンで大きな高まりのうちに運動を終えます。 　Japan, which has been the only country to suffer a nuclear attack, has the 　greatest moral authority to call for the total abandonment of nuclear weapons. In addition article 9 of the Japanese Constitution recognises that war is not 　the best way to resolve conflicts between countries and is a model that we 　are　proposing to other Governments. 　日本は、核攻撃を受けた唯一の国ですから、核兵器全廃を求めるには、他のどの国 　よりも大きな、道徳上の権威を持ちます。さらに日本国憲法第９条は、戦争は諸国間 　の紛争の解決のための最善の方法ではないと認めており、他国政府に我々が提案 　する手本であります。 　From the World March Coordination Committee we call on the Japanese 　Government to represent the true sentiment of the majority of her 　citizens and　advance three initiatives at an international level: 　・the elimination of nuclear weapons; 　・the renunciation of war as a means to resolve conflicts at the same 　　time　as stridently defending article 9 from attack from those who 　　wish　to eliminate it; 　・and the closure of foreign bases that are maintained on the territory 　 of other nations. 　ワールドマーチ組織委員会は、日本国政府が同国市民過半数の真実の気持ちを 　代表し、次の３つのイニシアチブを国際的に広め進めるよう、求めます。 　 　・核兵器廃絶 　・憲法第９条をなくそうとする勢力の攻撃から果敢に第９条を守ると同時に 　　紛争解決手段としての戦争を放棄すること 　・他国領土に置かれている外国軍基地の閉鎖 　Please find with this letter the Manifesto of the World March in our 　“Letter to the World’s Powerful” and the Nobel Peace Laureates’ 　Charter for a Non-violent World. 　 　この手紙と共に、「世界を支配する勢力への手紙」に書かれたワールドマーチ宣言と、 　ノーベル平和賞受賞者による非暴力世界憲章を提出いたします。 　With many thanks for your attention and availability, I take this 　opportunity to send my warmest greetings. 　この面会の機会に感謝し、心からのご挨拶を申し上げます。 　Rafael de la Rubia 　Spokesperson for the World March for Peace and Nonviolence 　rafael@mundosinguerras.org 　 　ラファエル・デ・ラ・ルビア 　平和と非暴力のためのワールドマーチ広報担当 　 　　＊This letter, along with others, was submitted on the occasion of WM Base Team's 　　　visit to the Division of Disarmament of the Ministry of Foreign Affiars

　　　　　　　
　　　　　Open letter To the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Japan
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　日本国外務大臣殿


　Oct. 18, 2009
　2009年10月18日

　Dear Katsuya Okada, Minister of Foreign Affairs

　I am a Korean and I am writing this for supporting the Japanese citizens’
　peaceful opposition of the 'Basic Plan on Space' in 2009 and their rightly
　persistent effort for keeping space for peace.

　　私は韓国人です、そして今、2009年に画定された「宇宙基本計画」への
　日本市民の皆さんによる平和的な反対運動と、平和な宇宙を保とうとする
　彼らの粘り強い努力を支持するため、この手紙を書いています。

　When I heard in May that the once-abandoned GX rocket in consideration
　was to be developed by the Japan's industrial-military complex and that
　the US industrial-military complex was pushing its development behind it,
　I was quite upset and furious. Thanks to my Japanese friend, I got
　the news and have sent the similar letter to the Japanese authority
　through my friend like this at the time as well.

　かつて計画が廃案となったＧＸロケットが、日本の軍産複合体により
　今後開発されることになり、また米国の軍産複合体はその裏で開発を推し
　進めているということを知り、動揺と憤りを強く覚えました。日本の友人
　が知らせてくれそのニュースを知るところとなり、当時にも友人を通じて
　日本の当局へ同じ手紙を送りました。

　　It was a beyond imagination that the US industrial-military Complex even
　wanted the GX rocket to be launched in the Vandenberg 　Space Command
　 which was infamous representing one of the core U.S. Space war systems.

　　米国の軍産複合体が、米国の宇宙戦争システムの中心となっているため
　悪評高い、バンデンバーグの宇宙司令の射場よりＧＸロケットが打ち上げ
　られることさえ望んでいることもまた、想像を超える話です。

　By luring the Japanese military industrial complex which had been ready to
　 openly launch its greed into that decoy with the vicious　'Basic Law on Space'
　 in 2008, The U.S. military industrial seemed to have decided to accelerate
　the integration of the whole space war system in the Asia pacific area.

　2008年に成立された悪法の「宇宙基本法」を用いて、ＧＸロケットという
「おとり」に自分達の欲を搭載して公然と打ち上げる準備が整った日本の
　軍産複合体を誘い込むことで、米国の軍産複合体は、宇宙戦争システム
　全体の統合を、アジア太平洋地域で加速しようと決心したようにみえます。

　It would not only increase the tension in the area but would inevitably
　destroy the peace mechanism in that area where the total military
　budget by the United States, China, Russia, Japan and both Korea
　has already been more than 70 % of the total world military budget.

　そのようなことは、その地域での緊張を増すだけでなく、６者協議に関わる
　米国、中国、ロシア、日本、南北朝鮮の軍事予算の合算が、世界全体の軍事
　予算の７０％を超えるこの地域での平和のためのメカニズムを必然的に破壊
　するでしょう。

　It should be a concern to many people not only in Japan　and 　Vandenberg
　but also in Korea　and other Asia countries who have　been in vigil against
　the resurrection of the Japanese militarism and imperialism.

　　この問題は当然、日本とバンデンバーグの多くの人々にとってだけでなく、
　日本の軍国主義と帝国主義が再生しないかとこれまでずっと警戒してきて
　いる、韓国および他のアジア諸国の多くの人々にとっても関心事です。

　As a Korean, it was heard also as threat for the prospect of the peaceful
　reunification of Korea since with the Japan’s closer integration to
　the U.S space war system, the more possibility of tension and wars
　could also be predicted in Korea, the crossing zone.

　韓国の市民としては、日本が米国の宇宙戦争システムに今より密接に統合
　されることになれば、（冷戦から今も続く東西対立の）交差点である韓国
　において、緊張と戦争の可能性もまたより高まることも予想できるため、
　この計画は朝鮮の平和的再統一の見通しにとっては脅威になるとも聞き
　ました。

　It was also heard as part of the ever strengthening of the US-Japan-SK
　 military alliance which would not only destabilize the region but also
　anticipate more suffering of the people in the region behind its surface.

　そしてこの計画はまた、この地域を不安定にさせるだけでなく、裏で地域
　住民の苦しみを先取りすることになる、米-日-韓の軍事同盟のさらなる
　 強化の一環であるとも聞きました。

　Under the current right wing government, Lee, Myung-Bak regime,
　South　Korea　has rapidly been being integrated into the US-led Missile
　Defense system.　While　it promotes its more aggressive space policy,
　selling it as “civilian mission”　to　the public, it is obvious that it has
　the dual　mission including the military’s and one of its effects is
　to increase　the military tension in the Asia Pacific. 　Not to mention,
　it is with the blood-tearful cost of the South Korean people’s suffering
　who are opposing all that US military expansion in the South Korea and
　South Korea’s subjugation into it.
　
　　現在李民博保守政権下で、韓国は急速に米国が率いるミサイル防衛
　システムに統合されつつあります。宇宙基本計画は「民間利用」である
　と市民に売り込みながら、もっと攻撃的な宇宙政策を促進する一方で、
　軍事利用にも使われる両面性を持ち、しかもその一つの影響として
　アジア太平洋での軍事緊張を増大させるものであるのは明らかです。
　言うまでもなく、（ミサイル防衛との兼ね合いからすれば、この宇宙
　基本計画は）韓国でのあらゆる米国の軍事拡張と米国での韓国の従属化
　に反対している韓国市民の苦しみという、血と涙のコストを伴うもの
　です。

　　Recently, one farmer, Nam, Chang-Hee in Ohyun-ri, 46, who has been
　 opposing against the Mugeon-ti milirary training field made suicide by
　tying his neck. The people in the Gangjung village, Jeju Island where
　the Jeju naval base, as a part of the US Military strategy would be set
　 up by 2014, have been long struggling against the plan and have to
　endure the tragic psychological division of village. The Kunsan air base
　 is expanding at the cost of the villages which would be demolished and
　 the command of the Songtan Air base, Pyeongtaek is to be renamed
　as the “Korea Air and Space Command” which would ensure the United
　 States’ control of the South Korea Air Force’s war time operational
　 right. at the cost of the sovereignty of Korea.

　　ごく最近、Mugeonの軍事訓練場建設に反対していた、Ohyun-riの46歳
　のNam,　Chang-Heeが、首を吊って自殺しました。また、2014年までに
　米国の軍事戦略の一環として、韓国海軍のJeju海軍基地が建設される
　jeju（済州）島にあるGangjung村の人々は、長らくその建設計画に反対
　運動をしてきており、その計画により引き起こされる村人の意見対立
　という悲劇を耐えなければなりません。
　Kunsan空軍基地は、そのために潰されることになるいくつかの村の犠牲
　のもとに拡張されつつあり、PyeongtaekにあるSongtan空軍司令部は、
　韓国空軍の有事の指揮権を米国が支配することを確実にする、「韓国
　空軍宇宙司令部」という名前に変わる予定です。

　It is heard that the Japan　is the country which has had the most
　Progressive space principle in 1969 which promotes for peace in space
　 but now in danger of being nullified by the emergence of the Japanese
　 military Industrial complex. The principle has to be widely shared and
　kept by all the peace-loving people in the world with the Article 9 where
　the Japan truly stands on and represents its peaceful heart.　

　聞くところでは、日本は宇宙での平和を促進する、最も進歩的な1969年の
　宇宙原則をこれまで維持してきた国ながら、現在その原則が日本の軍産
　複合体の出現により無に帰される危険性があるとのことです。その進歩的
　原則は、日本が真実立脚し、日本の平和的精神を示す憲法９条と共に、
　世界の平和を愛する人々により広く共有され維持されねばなりません。
　
　　The Japanese people deserve to live in peace, not under the threat of
　the military industrial complex which would eventually rob of their rights
　for decent welfare and for living in peace.We, Koreans support all the
　efforts by the peace-loving Japanese friends to stop the madness and
　to stand for Justice with the people in the world. We do this because
　peace of the Japan greatly encourage South Korean’s struggle against
　the US-Japan-South Korea military alliance.

　日本の人々が、まっとうな福祉を受ける権利と平和生存権を彼らから最終的
　に奪い取るであろう、軍産複合体の脅威の下にではなく、平和のうちに暮らす
　のは当然のことです。韓国の私達は、この愚行を止めるために、そして世界
　の人々と共に正義を擁護するために、平和を愛する日本の友人の皆さんが
　行っているあらゆる努力を支持します。私達がそうするのは、日本の平和が、
　米・日・韓の軍事同盟に反対する韓国市民の闘争を多いに励ますものである
　からです。
　
　With the new Japanese government, I wish all Japanese citizens the best.
　新政権を得た、日本市民すべての方々のご幸福を祈ります。

　Sung-Hee Choi,
　　
　Advisory board member, Global Network against Weapons and Nuclear　Power
　　 in Space　
　A member of the Korea organizing committee for the International Conference
　　 against the Asia Pacific Missile Defense and for the End of Arms Race, Seoul,
　　 April 16 to 18, 2009
　「宇宙への兵器と原子力配備に反対するグローバルネットワーク」アドバイザー
　「アジア太平洋におけるミサイル防衛に反対し軍拡競争の終わりを求める国際
　会議—　2009/4/16~18—韓国組織委員会委員」

　* This letter was rewritten for the occation of the WM Base Team's visit to
　　　the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the original opinion letter against
　　　Japan's Space Basic Plan.
　　　ワールドマーチ、ベースチームの外務省訪問に向けて、書き直された手紙

Text Fwd: TRIP WIRE FOR WAR

Bruce Gagnon blog
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 TRIP WIRE FOR WAR

It's hot, it's muggy, it's been raining, and folks are treating me wonderfully. I've been in Kyoto for two days with little Internet connection. The first two nights I stayed in a traditional wooden Japanese home where I slept on a futon on the floor - Japanese style. But sadly their wireless connection didn't work so I've had to move to a hotel where I will spend the next two nights. I get hundreds of emails each day and find it impossible to be without Internet for long. A friend in California calls my laptop my "altar."

I've been taken to a couple local wonderful spots including the Kiyomizu Dera Temple that overlooks the city from the base of a surrounding mountain. Just a spectacular place. Kyoto is famous for many temples and the city is crawling with tourists from all over the world.

Last night I spoke to 70 people and after I talked a 3rd generation Japanese-born man of Korean ancestry spoke. I was surprised to learn that even when Koreans are born in Japan they do not automatically get citizenship. There is still discrimination here against Koreans, many of whom were brought to Japan during imperial times as virtual slave labor. Lee Tong Il spoke out in favor of North Korea's right to defend themselves from an aggressive US and Japan. He said, "For 60 years the US has brought nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula so North Korea has to have nuclear weapons to defend themselves."

While I am opposed to all countries having nukes I must agree with his basic point that the US position is hypocritical because our nation has more nuclear weapons than any other country and we continually test them. (August 23 is the next planned US Minuteman nuclear missile test fired from Vandenberg AFB in California that will land at Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific.) North Korea sees Iraq and Afghanistan get invaded, Iran threatened, and they figure their only chance for survival as a nation is to arm themselves as well.

The big issue in Japan right now is whether or not the government should get rid of Article 9 of their Constitution that says they will not have an offensive military. Prior to WW II Japan invaded Manchuria and occupied Korea. Their colonial empire spread throughout the Pacific Region. The right-wing in Japan wants to get rid of Article 9 and is even calling for preemptive attack on North Korea. This stirs fears in the region about a resuscitated imperial Japan, coupled with a massively armed imperial US, a clear prescription for disaster.

A key part of all this current trouble is the US "missile defense" program which is now being deployed in Japan, South Korea, Australia, and on Navy Aegis destroyers surrounding China. After my talk last night several people thanked me for my clear explanation how the US "missile defense" program is really part of a broader offensive first-strike attack program - the sword and the shield together.

Bottom line is that the region is a trip wire for war. Thank goodness that there is an active and strong peace movement here.

* Related blogs

http://space4peace.blogspot.com/2009/07/walking-kyoto.html
Thursday, July 30, 2009
WALKING KYOTO

http://space4peace.blogspot.com/2009/07/satomi-still-lives.html
Sunday, July 26, 2009
SATOMI STILL LIVES

http://space4peace.blogspot.com/2009/07/tough-talk-about-korea.html
Saturday, July 25, 2009
TOUGH TALK ABOUT KOREA

http://space4peace.blogspot.com/2009/07/talking-space.html
Thursday, July 23, 2009
TALKING SPACE IN TOKYO

Remilitarized Japan Integrates Arms With US, Europe

* Text informed at StopNATO*

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article6355433.ece
Japan's big guns prepare to rejoin global arms industry
The Times (London) May 25, 2009, Leo Lewis

-The expected move, which government insiders said may be announced by Taro Aso, the Prime Minister, before the summer, is likely to begin by relaxing the ban to allow Japanese companies to work on joint projects with American and European defence manufacturers, whose products could then be sold internationally.
To date, the single exception to the ban came as a dispensation in 2005 that allowed Japan to work with US companies on a missile defence system....[A]s the Cold War deepened, Japan identified a giant loophole in the Constitution and allowed itself to build up very considerable “self-defence forces”, whose equivalent of navy, army and air force are now among the world's most expensively and extensively equipped.

The huge engineering and technological might of Japan may be poised for a new lease of life as the country prepares to ditch a self-imposed ban on arms exports that was introduced in the mid-1970s.

The controversial decision, which is likely to encounter bitter opposition from the country's mainly pacifist middle classes, could deliver significant economic benefits to Japan and lead to a realignment in the global defence industry.

A ruling party MP said that the greatest significance would be the conversion of Japan's robotics industry from civilian to military use as the world's defence spending is directed to remote-control hardware, such as drone aircraft.

Lifting or toning-down the 33-year old embargo would unleash some of the world's most advanced heavy engineering companies into the international weapons market....

The expected move, which government insiders said may be announced by Taro Aso, the Prime Minister, before the summer, is likely to begin by relaxing the ban to allow Japanese companies to work on joint projects with American and European defence manufacturers, whose products could then be sold internationally.

To date, the single exception to the ban came as a dispensation in 2005 that allowed Japan to work with US companies on a missile defence system....

Japan...has spent about 5 billion pounds on the missile defence shield jointly developed with the United States.

Joint production and the scope to profit from a share of international sales could draw more Japanese companies into the defence industry....Yet as the ban loosens further, government defence insiders say that Japan could be propelled into the top ranks of arms manufacturers.

Even with their sales limited strictly to the domestic market, several of the country's biggest engineering conglomerates, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), already feature among the world's top 30 biggest military hardware suppliers. MHI already produces a fighter jet and a broad range of naval hardware.

...Japan's 1976 ban on arms exports was never passed as a law. It can, therefore, be reversed or amended by the sitting prime minister, without requiring passage through parliament. Such a process would almost certainly have seen the move blocked by the Democratic Party of Japan, the centre-left opposition. The wording of the new statement is expected to ensure that exports do not end up in the hands of countries that support or sponsor terrorism.
....
Defence analysts have long maintained that Japanese industry, once freed from its ban, could quickly rival British, American and European players. Japan's prowess in miniaturised motors, robotics and control systems would be especially competitive.

Japan's existing defence industry has been crafted around the peculiarities of its own military arrangements. Article 9 of the country's postwar Constitution declares that Japan will renounce war as a sovereign right and that “land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained”.

However, as the Cold War deepened, Japan identified a giant loophole in the Constitution and allowed itself to build up very considerable “self-defence forces”, whose equivalent of navy, army and air force are now among the world's most expensively and extensively equipped.

However, the prospect of being limited to the domestic market persuaded many Japanese companies that the effort and the research and development spending involved in producing military hardware would not give good returns and many dropped out altogether.
===========================
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