HYOGO COUNCIL AGAINST A & H BOMBS
( HYOGO GENSUIKYO)

Chamoto bldg., 6-7-6- Motomachidori, Chuo-ku Kobe 655- 0022 Japan

Tel. +81-78-341-2818; Fax. +81-78-371-2427

REPORT FROM KOBE:
JAPAN - U.S. MILITARY GUIDELINES

12 Feb. 1998

Friends,

It is now three years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Nearly 24,000 households still live in temporary housing units where more than 190 people, mostly elderly, died completely alone. That this situation has not changed during this time period is surprising given the fact that Japan is ranked as one of the world's largest economies with a significant portion of its budget directed towards military spending. Given the plight of earthquake survivors, we are working continuously to get public support for these individuals and their families by establishing a system for individual compensation at government expense.

March 18 of this year marks the 23rd anniversary of nuclear-free "Kobe Formula". The formula states that the Port of Kobe does not allow any warship outfitted with nuclear weapons to enter the harbor. All warships must submit certification that they are not carrying nuclear weapons.

To our great joy, this policy will be applied to ports in Kochi Prefecture this year. The policy is currently threatened by an agreement signed last year which is known as the "Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation". Under this new "Guidelines" (we call it "War Manual"), Japanese Self Defense Forces, local municipalities, civil companies and the entire citizenry could be mobilized for wars begun by the United States. Under this agreement, Japan's civil air and seaports would be at the disposal of U S. armed forces. The nuclear-free Port of Kobe is included among those seaports.

Friends, we fight for base-free Japan and for Kobe's restoration. We are opposed to the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation. We dedicate efforts to maintain the Kobe Formula and its emphasis on nuclear-free ports throughout the world. It is the support and international solidarity from our friends in the world peace movements that has been encouraging us greatly.

On the special occasion of the 23rd Anniversary of the Kobe Formula, we would like you to send us messages of solidarity. We would be grateful if you could ask other people working for peace to do the same. Messages from the highest elected officials of your local state, governments and municipalities, speakers of parliament, and staff of local governments would be a great encouragement. Messages received before the end of February 1998 will be printed and handed out to the participants of the meeting to be held on 18th of March.

Friends, we are determined to work for a nuclear-free world; to abolish all nuclear weapons; and to achieve an international treaty for the total ban on, and elimination of, all nuclear weapons.

With our heartfelt respect to all for your efforts for peace,

[signed]

Shushi Kajimoto

(General Secretary)

JAPAN REPORT - U.S. MILITARY - JAPAN DEFENSE GUIDELINES
1994 Kobe Report | JAPAN'S PEACE CONSTITUTION