Don’t allow U.S. forces to join in Tokyo’s disaster drill: JCP

   The Japanese Communist Party Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Members’ Group on August 30 made representations to Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro requesting him to not allow the U.S. forces to take part in a disaster drill to be held on September 1 on the supposition of a severe earthquake occurring in Tokyo’s western suburbs.

   Pointing out that the metropolitan government must conduct a drill to rescue residents and fight fires, the JCP group demanded that the drill be designed to meet the requirements for a disaster drill centered on municipalities, fire departments, and residential associations that will play key roles in actual disasters.

   In the drill, the U.S. Yokota Air Base located in the area will be used as a main venue. A U.S. dock landing ship will also take part in the drill at the Kasai Waterfront Park, located far from the Yokota base.

   The JCP group criticized the metropolitan government drill plan for centering on security measures using the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. forces, neglecting the importance of local residents, local governments, fire departments, police, and enterprises to deal with disasters.                                          - Akahata, August 31, 2007