Kobe Formula

[Alessandro Marescotti <a.marescotti at peacelink.it>]

Dear Friends,

The 2001 World Conference against A & H Bombs, which is the first world
conference in the 21st century, concluded successfully on August 9 in
Nagasaki. You will soon be hearing the outcome of this conference.

At the conference, Shushi Kajimoto, secretary general of Hyogo Gensuikyo,
made a speech about the nuclear-free Kobe Formula.

He condemned the US pressing the Kobe city to abandon its nuclear-free
policy and accept the entry of US warships to the port.

And, just after the conference, we had the following news.

It is reported that the US missile cruiser  "Vincennes", which carries on
board internationally condemned "depleted uranium"  ammunition, is planning
to make a port call to Himeji Port from the 27th to the 31st of this month.
Himeji Port is close to the Port of Kobe which has not allowed  the entry of
any warship carrying nuclear weapons for the past 26 years. If the cruiser
is allowed to enter the port, it would be the first US warship to visit any
port in Hyogo Prefecture since the nuclear - free Kobe Formula was
established.

Himeji City, which declared itself nuclear-free in 1985, has asked the
prefectural government to confirm that the warship does not carry nuclear
weapons. The prefectural government has stated that it had already requested
the US Consulate to inform them whether or not the vessel will observe
Japan's three non-nuclear principles (not to possess, not to produce, not to
allow the entry of nuclear weapons).

According to the US, the purpose of the visit is for "supplies and rest and
recreation". However, it is clear that this port call is part of their plans
to use Japanese civil ports and harbors, which is one of the first steps
under the new Japan - US military "guidelines", to visit a port near Kobe,
thereby undermining the Kobe Formula and eventually to enter the Port of
Kobe. This is the main aim.

Five peace groups in Hyogo have demanded the port visit be cancelled, and
have requested the prefectual government to refuse entry of the vessel.
There have also been calls on other peace groups in the prefecture for joint
actions and protests against the visit.

We will keep you informed about our further activities.

For peace
Nobue Kugimiya
(Staff, Hyogo Gensuikyo)
kbnobu at fantasy.plala.or.jp