Unloading of nuclear weapons at U.S. Navy Sasebo Port must be investigated

Peace organizations in Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture on September 6 requested the city office to probe into the latest revelation of Japan-U.S. arrangements allowing U.S. nuclear weapons to be unloaded from visiting warships at Yokosuka and Sasebo port.

Akahata of September 3 reported that there was a top secret U.S. Navy telegram of 1963 indicating that nuclear weapons "off-load" would be necessary in certain circumstances.

The Sasebo Peace Committee and the Sasebo Council against A and H Bombs (Gensuikyo) made representations to the city office on September 6.

The U.S. telegram, which was then classified as "top secret," reveals that the U.S. Navy's understanding was that U.S. vessels carrying nuclear weapons are allowed not only to enter Sasebo or Yokosuka port but also unloaded them, Yamashita said.

There have been rumors that nuclear weapons were unloaded at U.S. Maehata Munitions Depot in Sasebo City. The document, which specifically cites the name of the deport to store nuclear weapons, clearly confirms the suspicion, he added.

Handing a copy of the secret document and other related materials to the city's section official, representatives of the peace organizations said, "Sasebo was clearly cited as a location for storage space of unloaded U.S. nuclear weapons. The city government must make every effort to investigate into the matter."

The city office promised to deal with it, saying that the municipality has a duty to clear up the suspicions. (end)