Japanese Funds for Gulf War

I have much respect for the quality of The Times and for the balanced and fair views it presents. In connection with the editorial (“Every Time It Tries, It Stumbles,” Jan. 28), however, I thought it might be of some use to your readers to have a Japanese perspective on the subject.

1. While the editorial says that “it seems that one big check is still in the mail: Less than half of that promised amount has been received,” $2 billion of the initial pledge was actually paid into the Gulf Peace Fund last December. As of late January, $1.4 billion had already been used for transportation, supplies, equipment and so on. Of that, 91% has been used for American activities.

2. Last month, the government of Japan decided to make an additional $9-billion contribution for the support of the multilateral forces’ efforts. Those funds are to be financed by tax increases specifically designed to cover this additional contribution. This needs to go through the same procedures as in the U.S., the approval of the Diet (Parliament).

3. In addition, the government of Japan has already issued an ordinance to enable Self-Defense Force aircraft to be sent to the Gulf for the transportation of evacuees when that becomes necessary.

4. The government of Japan has made these decisions, despite the enormous political difficulties. In Japan, too, there are contrasting views over the war and over Japan’s contribution to the Gulf efforts.

5. The Japanese government appreciates and supports the initiative of the Americans in fighting against the heinous aggression in the Gulf, and in particular, those young men and women fighting on the battlefields and their families. And the government of Japan is doing its utmost to unite divergent opinion and to make the maximum possible contribution.

At this critical time, when we need to join our efforts in combatting our common enemy, I think the decisions of the government of Japan need all the support and encouragement they deserve.

NAOHARU FUJII

Consul, Public Information

Consulate General of Japan, Los Angeles