http://www.boston.com/dailynews/261/world/Deviating_from_Gulf_War_stance:.shtml

Deviating from Gulf War stance, Japan official urges logistical support for U.S. retaliation

By Hans Greimel, Associated Press, 9/18/2001 06:57

TOKYO (AP) A top Japanese official urged his country to mobilize transports, medicine and other supplies instead of doling out money to the United States, as Japan grappled Tuesday with how to aid its biggest ally but stay true to its pacifist constitution.

The comments came as Japan's ruling coalition outlined a new push to allow the country's military to help guard U.S. bases in Japan in the wake of last week's terror attacks in New York and Washington.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has repeatedly said his country will back the United States in its expected retaliatory strike, but he has fallen short on specifics.

Deviating from Japan's stance during the Gulf War, Takeo Hiranuma, minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, suggested Tuesday that Japan privilege logistical, rather than monetary, support for the U.S. efforts.

''Japan should provide maximum cooperation with emphasis placed on the provision of necessary goods, logistical support, and medical services, rather than providing financial assistance,'' Hiranuma was quoted as saying by Kyodo News service.

Ministry spokesman Masahide Shima confirmed the stance, noting the U.S. government had already appropriated $40 billion in emergency aid to help the country recover and fight back.

Japan is better able to provide transportation and supplies, Shima said, adding that the country provided more than $9 billion in aid to multinational forces during the 1991 Gulf War.

How to help the United States this time is a matter of debate in Japan. Article 9 of the country's constitution bans the use of force as a means of settling international conflicts, and prohibits the country from sending troops overseas.

Koizumi underlined the dilemma Friday, saying: ''Taking military action alongside the United States ... is not possible under Japan's constitution. But after the United States decides how to react to this week's terrorist acts, Japan will think seriously about how we can contribute to their efforts.''

Topping his suggestions was the possibility of Japan's self-defense forces helping guard U.S. bases. His Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition will try to enact a law that allows for that during a special parliamentary session beginning Sept. 27.

Roughly 47,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Japan, and the country is an important staging area for U.S. military movements in an area stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Persian Gulf.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage reportedly met Japanese Ambassador Shunji Yanai to ask whether Japan might provide logistical support for a U.S. strike. Kyodo also reported that Armitage leaned on Japan to take a more visible international role in combatting terrorism.

Speaking at a regular press briefing Tuesday morning, Koizumi's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda denied that Japan has received concrete requests for help.

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2001