SDF have killed no one -- Akahata editorial, July 1

The Japanese Self-Defense Forces were founded on July 1, 1954.

During the last 50 years, the SDF have never killed foreign soldiers and no SDF personnel has been killed in the battlefield.

However, the recent SDF participation in the multinational force in Iraq apparently is a sign that there are intensifying moves toward throwing away the stated principle of "exclusively defensive defense" and enabling the SDF to take part in foreign wars.

These moves that will mark a major turning point in post-war Japanese history are rousing public criticism and making other Asian countries concerned.

What should Japan do with the SDF? This question has a bearing on Japan's course in the 21st century world.

50 years of controversy

While Japan was under U.S. occupation, the SDF were preceded by the National Police Reserve established by orders of the U.S. Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers. Two years after the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty came into effect, the Self-Defense Forces were established. Their existence from the outset has been in violation of the Constitution that stipulates renunciation of war and non-possession of military potential, and their very existence has always been controversial.

This is so mainly because of the people's wish to defend the Constitution. It's not an exaggeration to say that such public opinion and movements have prevented the SDF from being dispatched abroad. This is why the SDF have not killed or been killed.

The SDF have been strengthened under strong U.S. demand and pressure. Japan-U.S. military integration is now underway, including equipment and personnel, in order for Japan to fight together with the United States. The LDP and DPJ are increasingly enthusiastic about revising the Constitution to allow Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense enabling Japan to take part in U.S. wars.

These moves, regardless of the pros and cons of the SDF existence, are provoking opposition from many people.

Covering this, overseas media reported, "When Japan's military was reborn after World War II, tens of thousands of demonstrators staged violent protests and debate raged over whether even a strictly defensive force violated the new pacifist constitution. That was 50 years ago - but the debate still rages over whether the country has broken its vow to never again maintain 'land, sea and air forces' that could be used to wage war"(Guardian, June 29, 2004 issue).

The Japanese people will not allow Japan to again wage wars by dispatching the SDF abroad because they have learned hard lessons from Japan's war of aggression in WWII. This is clear from the opposition expressed by the majority of the people to the SDF participation in the multinational force in Iraq.

Japan's cooperation with U.S. wars under its preemptive strike strategy must be foiled because it anachronistically runs counter to the major world current for peace in the 21st century.

The situation in Iraq shows that the United States, even with its unparalleled military power, can never subjugate other countries by waging a lawless war. While millions of people have risen in actions throughout the world against the Iraq War by calling for peace, the U.S forces are bogged down in a quagmire in Iraq.

Specifically in Asia, the peace movement is growing in criticism of U.S. outrages, calling for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

If Japan adheres to dispatching the SDF, it will isolate itself in Asia where Japan's Imperial Army had carried out the atrocious war of aggression and occupation. Now that Asia stands as a major economic power with increased influence in the world, the SDF dispatch will completely make it an orphan in Asia.

Major issue in Upper House election

Both the Liberal Democratic Party and the Democratic Party of Japan are calling for the further buildup of the SDF and their overseas deployment, which appear to be reflecting the major political current of Japan. However, the majority of public opinion is not represented by them.

The need now is for the people's demand for peace to gain strength in the parliament so that Japan may shift its course toward advancing in harmony with the major tide of peace in Asia and the rest of the world.

Vote for the Japanese Communist Party in the coming House of Councilors election, the surest way to fulfill these tasks for peace. (end)