MISSION: TO MAKE OKINAWA A MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY IN THE 21ST CENTURY BY CONVERTING US MILITARY BASES TO CIVILIAN USE

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WHEREAS, the rape of a 12 year-old schoolgirl, on September 4, 1995 by three US marines based on Okinawa triggered the islander's pent-up anger over thousands of crimes committed by the US military personnel over the past decade.

WHEREAS, 90% of Okinawans want a reduction in US military bases (September 8, 1996 referendum).

WHEREAS, Okinawa was forcibly annexed by Japan in 1879 and has, since WW II, been hosting a disproportionate share of US military bases in Japan (i.e. 75% of the land which US forces occupy in Japan are on Okinawa, despite the fact that the island represents only 0.6% of Japan's total land mass.) And it is now believed that US bases on Okinawa store Nuclear Weapons, in clear violation of the US/Japan Security Treaty.

WHEREAS, During the ten year war between the US and North Vietnam 58,000 American troops and 3,000,000 Vietnamese soldiers and civilians died. We the people of Okinawa feel very guilty about the deaths and for supporting the US government. Therefore, it is for these reasons that we wish the closure of all US and Japanese military bases on our island.

WHEREAS, the recent Japan Supreme Court ruling forcing Okinawa to submit to the governments forced lease of private land for US bases indicates that Okinawa's property rights are worthless and is another example of Japan's mistreatment of the island.

WHEREAS, President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto met in September 1995 and talked about closing Futenma Air Base but only if another site could be found on one of Japan's five main islands. Since no other was found, the US and Japan are now planning to construct an offshore heliport which will further degrade the island's fragile bay environment.

THEREFORE, We request the governments of the United States and Japan to honor the wishes of the Okinawan people, for removal of US Bases from its land and support Okinawa to become a model of Environmentally Sound and Self-Sustaining Technology and Economy.

PLAN OF ACTION

On 15 May 1998 at Kadena Air Force Base, we will block all five gates, perform an Okinawan Music Festival at each location and continue doing so until the Base is finally closed by the US government. During our protest we shall also schedule nightime candelight parades.

Please bring your open hearts and minds to Kadena!!

For further information, please contact at:

Fax: 03-5261-3797
Tel: 03-5261-3717

*For international calls, press country code 81 first, then press just 3 to follow the four digits. Due to our language differences, we ask you to communicate by fax or letter.
 

International Committee of Non-Violent Action

Att. Bohkensha Co. Ltd.,