Let Yokosuka citizens decide by referendum whether to allow U.S. nuclear-powered carrier to be deployed to Yokosuka

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Let Yokosuka citizens decide by referendum whether to allow U.S. nuclear-powered carrier to be deployed to Yokosuka
Akahata editorial (excerpts)

A signature drive is underway in Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture, calling for the enactment of an ordinance to allow citizens to express in a referendum their opinion on the planned deployment to the U.S. Naval Yokosuka Base of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from June 2008.

In the first place, it is extraordinary for Japan to allow a U.S. aircraft carrier to use a Japanese port as its homeport. Allowing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to replace a conventional one at its homeport at Yokosuka will mean helping enhance U.S. first-strike capabilities and forcing not only the 420,000 Yokosuka citizens but 30 million residents of the Greater Metropolitan area to live with the danger of possible nuclear accidents.

How rightful it is for Yokosuka citizens to demand an ordinance to hold a referendum on the government's and Yokosuka City's decision to allow U.S. forces to use Yokosuka Port as the homeport of a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier!

Possible danger of radioactive coolant water leaks

If Japan is to accept the plan to deploy a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier, Yokosuka will allow it to come to anchor for at least six months each year. In addition to U.S. nuclear submarines repeatedly visiting Yokosuka, the planned deployment will force the citizens to face the danger of nuclear accidents. It is unacceptable for the government to impose such a dangerous plan on the local residents in disregard of what they might say about it.

The government is increasing public relations relations in order to convince the public that U.S. nuclear-powered warships have never had nuclear accidents and that there is nothing to fear about the danger of possible accidents. The Foreign Ministry has distributed many copies of a pamphlet to the public with the aim of assuring them that "U.S. nuclear-powered warships are safe" on the grounds that there has been no nuclear accident on U.S. warships. The government explanation, however, is nothing but a copy of U.S. government claims.

In September, the U.S. nuclear submarine Honolulu had a radiation leak at the U.S. Naval Yokosuka Base, but the Japanese government did not investigate or even attempt to demand that the U.S. government make a thorough investigation into the matter.

In May 1968, the U.S. nuclear submarine Swordfish allegedly released radioactive coolant water into the harbor of Sasebo in Nagasaki, and the government failed to make an inquiry and hold the U.S. responsible.

How is it possible for the Japanese government to assure the public that U.S. nuclear-powered ships are accident-free?

Contrary to the government assurance, there have indeed been accidents involving U.S. nuclear-powered warships. The thing is that the U.S. and Japanese governments have withheld the facts.

There is strong evidence suggesting that the Japanese government lied when it denied any leakage of primary coolant into any harbor in Japan.

The memorandum dated October 22, 1968 of talks between then Foreign Minister Miki Takeo and then U.S. Ambassador to Japan Alexis Johnson, written after the Swordfish accident, categorically denied the possibility of primary coolant leaks into harbors.

However, the U.S. Army in its document dated September 27, 1968, stated that it could give no assurance that radioactive waste had not leaked from U.S. nuclear-powered warships.

Also, the classified "U.S. State Department document made during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson (November 1963- January 1969) stated that the United States was "unable to provide such assurances" that U.S. nuclear-powered ships "would not discharge reactor water in Japanese ports."

The Japanese government must withdraw its decision to accept the U.S. plan to deploy its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to Yokosuka. It is the constitutional obligation for national and local governments to respect their autonomy.

In order to defend the safety and autonomy of the Yokosuka citizens, let us make the success of the signature collection campaign for a referendum.
- Akahata, November 29, 2006