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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 13 TOKYO 004542 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; 
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; 
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; 
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, 
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA 
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; 
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/28/07 
 
 
Index: 
 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule 
 
Burmese revolt: 
4) Secretary Rice, Foreign Minister Komura in basic agreement on 
Burma, sharply criticize military junta's acts 
5) Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura protests killing of Japanese 
reporter during mayhem in Burma 
6) Japanese government remains cautious about imposing sanctions on 
Burma 
 
Six-party talks on North Korea: 
7) Assistant Secretary Hill states that basic agreement with DPRK 
over disabling nuclear facility has been reached; North Korea seems 
warmer toward Japan 
8) Japan very cautious as it enters new "dialogue" phase in 
negotiations with North Korea 
 
9) China's President Hu planning visit to Japan next Spring; China 
invites Prime Minister Fukuda to come visit, too 
 
Anti-terror law: 
10) Ambassadors of 11 countries including US meet at Pakistan's 
embassy to issue statement of appreciation for MSDF refueling 
services in Indian Ocean 
11) Outline of new bill extending MSDF refueling to be presented to 
Diet next month 
12) Defense Minister Ishiba up beat about passing the new 
anti-terror law this Diet session 
13) Defense Ministry to investigate whether MSDF oil supplied to US 
warships in Indian Ocean was diverted 
 
14) Possible diversion of MSDF oil supplied to US warships in Indian 
Ocean having been used in Iraq war could become complex bilateral 
issue 
15) In meeting with Secretary Rice, Foreign Minister Komura asks for 
full information disclosure on use of oil supplied by MSDF in Indian 
Ocean 
 
16) Former Prime Minister Abe briefly returns home from the hospital 
 
 
Political scene: 
17) Mainichi poll: 74 PERCENT  see Diet dissolution and a snap 
election in a year 
18) Prime minister to give Diet policy speech on Oct. 1 
19) DPJ planning strategy of flooding the Diet with bills to tie up 
deliberations 
20) Former US Ambassador to Japan Mondale meets with Democratic 
Party of Japan (DPJ) President Ozawa 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Sankei & Tokyo Shimbun: 
Japanese journalist shot dead in Burma; Security forces 
indiscriminately fire at demonstrators 
 
 
TOKYO 00004542  002 OF 013 
 
 
Nikkei: 
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries wins China order for nuclear plant 
equipment 
 
Akahata: 
Big companies earn 1.75 times more than in bubble economy years 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Prime Minister Fukuda needs to express views to world 
(2) Japan urged to work out specific plans to protect environment 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) China must join international pressure on Burmese military to 
end crackdown 
(2) Death of 17-year-old sumo wrester after being struck with beer 
bottle 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Give priority to academic ability in drawing up Education 
Ministry guidelines 
(2) Use international pressure on Burma 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Fukuda should pursue 21st-century-version, omni-directional 
foreign policy 
(2) Carry through NHK reform 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Now is time to promote democracy in Burma 
(2) Death of young wrester: Sumo association's governance being 
questioned 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Use international pressure to stop bloodshed in Burma 
(2) Japan must be more eager to lead international trend to combat 
global warming 
 
Akahata: 
(1) MSDF refueling US warships: Unlawful act apparent 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, September 27 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Slightly abridged) 
September 28, 2007 
 
09:01 
Attended a special cabinet meeting at Kantei. Later, met with 
Defense Minister Ishiba and after him, met with Education Minister 
Tokai. 
 
09:48 
Attended a session of administrative vice ministers. Afterwards, met 
with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Matoba. 
 
10:29 
Made a private representation to the Emperor at Imperial Palace, and 
afterwards attended an attestation ceremony for senior vice 
ministers. 
 
TOKYO 00004542  003 OF 013 
 
 
 
12:55 
Had a photo session with senior vice ministers at Kantei. Later, 
attended a meeting of senior vice ministers. 
 
13:49 
Issued letters of appointment to parliamentary secretaries and had a 
photo session with them. Afterwards, attended a meeting of 
parliamentary secretaries. 
 
14:18 
Met with LDP Headquarters for Party Reform Implementation Chairman 
Takebe. 
 
15:37 
Met with Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura. 
 
17:54 
Had dental treatment at dental clinic in Minami Aoyama. 
 
19:07 
Arrived at his private residence in Nozawa. 
 
4) Japanese and US foreign ministers agree to condemn Burma 
(Myanmar) 
 
ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Yoshiyuki Komurata, Washington 
 
Visiting Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura on the morning of Sept. 27 
(late at night of that day, Japan time) met with Secretary of State 
Condoleezza Rice at the State Department. They agreed to condemn the 
military junta of Burma, sharing the perception that "It is 
outrageous to use force on people who were demonstrating in a 
peaceful manner. Such an act is never permissible in the 
international community." This was revealed by Komura to Japanese 
reporters after the meeting. 
 
According to a briefing from the Japanese side, Komura referred to 
the information about the death of a Japanese photo journalist and 
told Rice: "Japan will file a strong protest with Myanmar." 
 
5) Chief cabinet secretary lodges protest against death of Japanese 
 
SANKEI (Page 3) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Hearing it had been confirmed that a Japanese national was killed in 
Burma (Myanmar), Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura told 
reporters in Tokyo: "The Japanese government had called on (the 
government of Burma) not to take a violent crackdown, and now, a 
Japanese national has been caught up in it. This is extremely 
regrettable. We will lodge a protest with Myanmar's government and 
urge it to clarify what actually happened. We hope it will take 
appropriate measures for the safety of Japanese nationals." 
 
Machimura stressed: "We again strongly urge the government of 
Myanmar to swiftly change its oppressive attitude and open a 
dialogue with the people to resolve the situation." Speaking of 
whether to impose sanctions on Burma, Machimura went no further to 
 
TOKYO 00004542  004 OF 013 
 
 
say: "We'd like to wait and see the results of debate to be held at 
the United Nations Security Council." 
 
Yesterday evening ahead of these press remarks by Machimura, Prime 
Minister Yasuo Fukuda told reporters at the Prime Minister's 
Official Residence: "Regrettable events are taking place. We must 
think what would be the best way to resolve the situation." 
 
In response to the tense situation involving antigovernment 
demonstrators in Burma, the Foreign Ministry yesterday raised the 
security level on travel to Burma from "consider whether to visit 
the country" to "it is advisable to postpone traveling the 
country." 
 
6) Japanese killed in Burma (Myanmar); Government wants the turmoil 
to be resolved through dialogue 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
A Japanese journalist, Kenji Nagai, covering the tumultous situation 
in Burma, was shot to death yesterday by a stray bullet in Rangoon 
(Yangon). As a result, the Japanese government yesterday decided to 
send Deputy Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka of the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to Burma and urge the military junta in 
charge to end its violent crackdown on antigovernment demonstrators 
and resolve the situation through dialogue. Earlier in the day, MOFA 
raised the security level in Burma from "need to consider whether or 
not to visit the country" to "need to postpone visiting the 
country." 
 
Late yesterday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura told reporters: 
"We have urged (the Burmese government) not to oppress its (people), 
but the violent crackdown has continued. It is highly deplorable 
that a Japanese national was caught up in the situation and lost his 
life. We will file a strong protest (with the Burmese government) 
and again strongly urge it to resolve the situation through dialogue 
with the people." 
 
Senior Vice Foreign Minister Hitoshi Kimura late yesterday summoned 
Burmese Ambassador to Japan Hla Myint to the ministry and demanded 
that his government deal with the situation properly. The first 
report on the incident came amid the meeting between Kimura and Hla 
Myint. The ambassador explained to Kimura: "We put down the revolt 
out of necessity but keeping it at a minimum level." 
 
Whereas the United States and the European Union (EU) have sought to 
impose economic sanctions on Burma, the Japanese government remains 
cautious about immediate sanctions. A senior MOFA official stressed: 
"It would be more practical to urge the junta to resolve the 
situation peacefully and promote the democratic process than to 
impose sanctions and thereby create more poverty in society" 
 
Japan is Burma's largest aid donor, according to the statistics 
released in (2004) by the OECD's Development Assistance Committee. 
But Japan has drastically cut down its aid to Burma since the 
military junta was established in 1988. "The real largest aid donor 
is China, (which is not an OECD member)," Machimura noted. 
 
7) Six-party talks: Hill -- Basic agreement reached on disablement 
measures; Joint statement may be presented today; North positive 
about improving relations with Japan 
 
TOKYO 00004542  005 OF 013 
 
 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Kiyoshi Nakamura, Beijing 
 
The six-party talks aimed at resolving the North Korean nuclear 
standoff began on the evening of Sept. 27 at the Diaoyutai State 
Guesthouse in Beijing. The focus is whether they can adopt before 
this round ends on Sept. 30 an agreement that includes a road map 
for implementing the second phase of the process leading to nuclear 
dismantlement. US Assistant Secretary of State and chief US delegate 
to the six-party talks Christopher Hill told the press after the 
first day's meeting that a draft agreement might be presented on 
Sept. 28, saying, "Basically, we agreed on measures for disablement 
of the nuclear facilities." 
 
About disablement of the nuclear facilities, Hill also explained 
that additional questions were presented and that the members would 
finalize the details tomorrow. According to a South Korean source, 
there still remain gaps in views between North Korea and other 
countries over disablement. The talks are likely to face rough going 
even after a draft is presented. 
 
Yesterday, a plenary session was held for the first time since March 
that ended in about one and a half hours. Chinese Vice Foreign 
Minister Wu Dawei, who chairs the six-party talks, said at the 
outset of the meeting: "This session is vital in the course of the 
six party talks and its main mission is to map out an action plan 
for the next phase." This was followed by reports by the chairs of 
the five working groups on what was discussed in August and 
September. 
 
According to a Japanese source, Japanese chief delegate and Foreign 
Ministry Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau chief Kenichiro Sasae 
briefed on what was discussed by the Japan-North Korea working 
group. Following this, North Korean chief negotiator Kim Gye Gwan 
indicated that his country would like to improve relations with 
Japan in line with the spirits of the Pyongyang Declaration and 
joint statement. 
 
According to a Foreign Ministry source, the North Korean delegate 
has rarely made a positive statement during the six-party talks. 
Japan is expected to confirm changes in North Korea's stance toward 
the abduction issue and other matters. 
 
8) North Korea exhibits positive stance about improving relations 
with Japan possibly with dialogue in mind; Japan to ascertain 
Pyongyang's true intention carefully 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
September 28, 2007 
 
The six-party talks began yesterday in Beijing, providing a venue 
for the Japanese government to deal with North Korea for the first 
time since the Fukuda administration was launched. In yesterday's 
session, North Korea emphasized its willingness to "make efforts" 
for improving relations with Japan, including the abduction issue. 
The positive statement apparently comes from Pyongyang's keen 
awareness of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's eagerness to have a 
dialogue with North Korea. The Japanese government is trying to 
ascertain the North's true intention. 
 
TOKYO 00004542  006 OF 013 
 
 
 
Despite the North Korean delegate's positive statement, Japanese 
chief negotiator and Foreign Ministry Asian and Oceanian Affairs 
Bureau chief Kenichiro Sasae told reporters after the session that 
the meeting was conducted calmly. 
 
Before the meeting, Sasae said: "It is important to listen closely 
to what the other side has to say and to clearly state what we have 
to say so that matters can move forward." This clearly reflected the 
wishes of Prime Minister Fukuda, who puts high priority on a 
dialogue with North Korea. 
 
In the meeting yesterday, North Korea seems to have given in to 
Japan's urging, as planned. But Japan intends to make a decision 
carefully, with Sasae saying, "It's a bit too early to predict the 
result at this point." 
 
Through the six-party talks, the government eyes setting a concrete 
date for the next working-group normalization meeting with North 
Korea. A decision will be made based on whether the North will take 
specific steps regarding critical matters, such as resuming the 
investigations into the fates of the Japanese abductees in 
compliance with Japan's request. 
 
In the wake of the establishment of the dialogue-oriented Fukuda 
administration, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Gye Gwan's 
statement is seemingly intended to press Tokyo toward reconciliatory 
policy away from the hard-line policy taken under the previous Abe 
administration. 
 
Through the media, Pyongyang repeatedly harshly criticized the Abe 
administration as taking antagonistic policy toward the North. A 
North Korean source described Prime Minister Fukuda as less 
repulsive than Abe. 
 
North Korea apparently attempted to soften Japan's stance toward the 
abduction issue by demonstrating its willingness to hold a dialogue 
with Japan days after the establishment of the Fukuda 
administration. The North also seems to intend to watch for the time 
being Japan's response to Kim's statement and to see if there is any 
change in Japan's policy toward its sanctions and the General 
Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon). 
 
9) Coordination underway for President Hu's Japan visit next spring: 
Chinese premier asks Prime Minister Fukuda to visit China 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday met with former Prime Minister 
Yoshiro Mori, who is now visiting Beijing, at the Great Hall of the 
People. Concerning President Hu Jintao's (General Secretary of the 
Chinese Communist Party) visit to Japan, Mori indicated a plan to 
coordinate views with the possibility of setting a schedule for next 
spring, saying, "It may be good if he visits Japan in spring, for 
instance, the season of cherry blossoms." 
 
Mori conveyed a message from Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, which 
went, "I would like to visit China as soon as possible." 
 
Premier Wen also met with members of a delegation from the 
Japan-China Economic Association, including Fujio Mitarai, chairman 
 
TOKYO 00004542  007 OF 013 
 
 
of the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) and chairman of 
Canon. Wen during the meeting indicated his intention to promote 
active investment in the northeastern region of the country by 
Japanese companies and to press ahead with the consolidation of laws 
related to bilateral economic cooperation. 
 
This would be the first visit to Japan by a Chinese president since 
Jiang Zemin's visit in 1998. 
 
10) Eleven top envoys to Japan, including US ambassador, issue 
statement offering appreciation to MSDF for refueling operations in 
Indian Ocean 
 
SANKEI (Page 1) (Slightly abridged) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Ambassadors to Japan from eleven countries including US Ambassador 
Schieffer which are dispatching troops under Operation Enduring 
Freedom to Afghanistan and the Indian Ocean, yesterday met at the 
official residence of the Pakistani ambassador in Shibuya, Tokyo. 
They expressed appreciation for the Maritime Self-Defense Force's 
refueling operations in the Indian Ocean and issued a statement 
seeking continuation of such services. 
 
It is unprecedented that such a large number of ambassadors to Japan 
jointly expressed their wishes toward Japan. Their aim is to offer 
indirect assistance to the government and the ruling camp, which are 
engaged in Diet deliberations in order to extend the operations, by 
demonstrating the significance of the refueling services to domestic 
forces opposing the effort. 
 
Participants included ambassadors from the US, Britain, Germany, 
France, Australia, Italy, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, Pakistan, and 
Afghanistan. They appeared in front of the official residence after 
discussing the matter for about 30 minutes. Pakistani Ambassador 
Kamran Niaz read out the statement on behalf of the participants. 
Japan is now looking into the possibility of instead of extending 
the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, which expires on Nov. 1, 
introducing a new bill because the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or 
Minshuto) and other opposition parties are strongly against an 
extension. The government and the ruling camp intend to find a 
breakthrough in the issue through talks with the DPJ. 
 
Following the joint statement, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda yesterday 
told reporters, "I think the statement is an expression of their 
expectations of Japan. I am sure there is a deep understanding of 
the operations because they are intended to prevent terrorist 
activities from spreading." He stressed his determination to make 
further efforts to continue the MSDF's activities. 
 
11) Government to compile outline for new legislation next week to 
extend MSDF refueling mission 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
The government and the ruling parties decided yesterday to compile 
an outline possibly next week for new legislation to extend the 
Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) refueling operation in the 
Indian Ocean. They plan to reveal the outline in a meeting of the 
House of Representatives Budget Committee in early October. If the 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) makes proposals on its contents, 
 
TOKYO 00004542  008 OF 013 
 
 
they will reflect the proposals in drawing up a bill and then submit 
it to the Diet. 
 
On the issue of whether to extend the MSDF mission, the DPJ has 
indicated it would not hold preliminary talks with the government 
and the ruling camp. In a bid to break the impasse, the government 
will present an outline for a new law and reflect DPJ proposals in a 
bill. 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura said in a NHK program last night: 
 
"We will be able to compile an outline sometime next week. Upon 
presenting the outline, we would like to start discussion (with the 
DPJ). ... But if the DPJ comes up with proposals during the 
discussion, it will be possible to make changes because it is an 
outline. Reflecting the proposals, we will work out a bill and 
submit it to the Diet." 
 
The Liberal Democratic Party's four executive members, including 
Secretary General Bunmei Ibuki, also indicated similar views in 
 
SIPDIS 
interviews with the Asahi Shimbun and other press companies 
yesterday. Ibuki said: "When the Lower House Budget Committee is set 
in motion, we will present an outline (for new legislation) and call 
(on the DPJ) for discussion." 
 
Discussion on a second revision of the Political Funds Control Law 
is underway in the ruling camp, focusing on a proposal under which 
political funds groups would be required to attach receipts for 
expenditures of more than one yen and an independent third party 
would judge whether the receipts should be disclosed or not. On this 
proposal, Ibuki indicated that the government would draft a bill and 
discuss the bill with the DPJ. Policy Research Council Chairman 
Sadakazu Tanigaki also remarked: "The government also should do 
properly what the private sector has done." 
 
Regarding the issue of whether to reinstate former Economy, Trade 
and Industry Minister Takeo Hiranuma, one of the "postal rebels," in 
the party, Ibuki implied his severe view about his unconditional 
reinstatement, saying: "He naturally should properly take the 
required steps as we did when we were officially backed by the 
party." 
 
On the proposed drastic reform of the law to help disabled people 
become independent, in which those who use welfare service are 
required to pay 10 PERCENT  of the bill, Tanigaki indicated a 
cautious stance, saying: "It has been decided that the law is 
reviewed every three years, so it does not mean that the framework 
of the system will be abruptly changed." 
 
12) Defense minister expresses eagerness to enact new law in current 
Diet session to extend MSDF refuel mission 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Appearing on a TV program yesterday, Defense Minister Ishiba renewed 
his eagerness to enact a new law in the current Diet session to 
extend the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) refueling mission in 
the Indian Ocean. He said: "Personally I am very eager to have the 
bill passed in the ongoing extraordinary Diet session by all means." 
 
 
 
TOKYO 00004542  009 OF 013 
 
 
13) Defense Ministry investigating past records of MSDF refueling 
operations in Indian Ocean 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Referring to allegations that a Maritime Self-Defense Force ship 
deployed to the Indian Ocean based on the Antiterrorism Special 
Measures Law may have refueled to US aircraft engaging in the Iraq 
war, Vice Defense Minister Kohei Masuda revealed at a press 
conference yesterday that the Defense Ministry is now investigating 
all past records of the MSDF refueling operations to see whether any 
Japanese fuel was used for purposes other than for the antiterrorism 
operations in and around Afghanistan. The Self-Defense Forces (SDF) 
supplied fuel 777 times to vessels from 11 countries from December 
2001 through the end of August 2007. The Defense Ministry intends to 
complete its investigation before questioning sessions by party 
representatives start at the current extraordinary Diet session. 
 
14) Gov't desperate to dispel suspicions over MSDF fuel supply 
 
SANKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
The Diet will now reopen its halted extraordinary session and focus 
on the issue of continuing the Maritime Self-Defense Force's 
refueling activities in the Indian Ocean beyond the Antiterrorism 
Special Measures Law's Nov. 1 expiry. Meanwhile, US and other 
foreign naval vessels are suspected of having used their 
MSDF-supplied fuel for operations in Iraq or other purposes. The 
MSDF has so far carried out nearly 800 fuel supplies for them. In 
this regard, Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, appearing on a 
commercial TV show yesterday, indicated that he would look into the 
facts about all of those MSDF fuel supplies to see if the 
MSDF-supplied fuel was used for other purposes. However, the 
Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) and other opposition parties 
will pursue the government and ruling parties in the Diet. The 
government and ruling parties, now aiming to create a new law as an 
alternative for the current time-limited antiterror law, are 
concerned about the new source of trouble. 
 
The Antiterrorism Special Measures Law limits its purpose to Japan's 
rear-echelon support for operations in Afghanistan, and so does the 
newly planned legislation. If it becomes clear that the 
MSDF-supplied fuel was used for the Iraq war, that is against the 
law's purpose. If that is the case, the government and ruling 
parties would be held up in Diet deliberations and would sustain a 
serious blow. The government and ruling parties are therefore 
desperate to dispel the suspicions. 
 
The biggest matter of concern to the government and ruling parties 
over the suspicions is a claim from Peace Depot, a nonprofit 
organization in Japan. On Feb. 25, 2003, an MSDF fuel ship provided 
a US supply ship with fuel amounting to about 800,000 gallons 
(approx. 3,000 kiloliters). According to Peace Depot, the US supply 
ship refueled the Kitty Hawk, a US aircraft carrier, when they were 
in the Indian Ocean for activities to watch Iraq. 
 
In 2003, the then chief cabinet secretary, Yasuo Fukuda, now the 
prime minister, and other government officials explained that the 
MSDF refueled the US supply ship with only 200,000 gallons, or an 
aircraft carrier's fuel consumption for one day. Fukuda stated at 
 
TOKYO 00004542  010 OF 013 
 
 
that time, "It's actually inconceivable that the fuel is used for 
Iraq attacks." With this, the government denied the suspected use of 
fuel for operations in Iraq. However, Peace Depot noted the fuel 
supply, based on the Kitty Hawk's log and other sources. The Defense 
Ministry later confirmed that the Kitty Hawk had been refueled with 
about 800,000 gallons. 
 
The government has so far checked the operational areas of foreign 
naval vessels before the MSDF's fuel supply for them. The 
government, in its written reply dated Sept. 18, stated that the 
government is not in a position to be aware of details about how the 
MSDF-supplied fuel is used. However, the government later had to 
account for Peace Depot's fact-finding, with a senior Defense 
Ministry official saying: "It was before the Iraq war. Also, and the 
US Navy's operational areas were not separated so strictly like 
now." 
 
On Sept. 23, Fukuda also appeared on a commercial TV show before he 
came into office as prime minister. Fukuda said, "We thought they 
were operating in the Indian Ocean, but they might have been told to 
go to Iraq." 
 
However, there is no guarantee that the countries concerned will 
unveil details about their military operations. In this connection, 
the government noted security reasons. "We can't say how far it's 
possible to disclose," Administrative Vice Defense Minister Kohei 
Masuda said. On Sept. 26, New Komeito, the ruling Liberal Democratic 
Party's coalition partner, held a meeting of its foreign affairs and 
security panel. In this meeting as well, an official from the 
Defense Ministry only said the Japanese government has been 
inquiring of the US government. One of New Komeito's lawmakers there 
hurled at the official, saying, "Do you think such an explanation is 
good enough to get through the Diet committee?" 
 
Under such circumstances, the Defense Ministry is going to look into 
the facts about all of those MSDF fuel supplies. One New Komeito 
executive voiced concern: "If the opposition parties demand data 
files, the Diet will stop its deliberations. This looks like the 
issue of the government's pension record-keeping flaws." 
 
The DPJ and other opposition parties are poised to pursue and drive 
the government and the ruling coalition into a tight corner while 
using the right to conduct investigations in relation to government. 
"The government and the ruling parties and the prime minister lied," 
a DPJ executive said. In a recent opinion poll, those in favor of 
continuing the MSDF's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean 
outnumbered those against it. The DPJ is also aiming to change such 
a trend in public opinion. 
 
The DPJ yesterday held a meeting of its foreign and defense affairs 
panel for hearings with officials from the Defense Ministry and the 
Foreign Ministry about the MSDF's refueling activities in the Indian 
Ocean. In the end, however, the Defense Ministry did not answer any 
questions at all about when, how often, and how much the MSDF 
refueled foreign naval vessels. 
 
Akihisa Nagashima, a DPJ lawmaker seated in the House of 
Representatives, noted that the US military operates in various 
areas but US vessels move from area to area. "These ships are not 
distinguished in different colors for Operation Enduring Freedom 
(subject to the MSDF's refueling services)," Nagashima said. "Like 
the Japanese government," he added, "they should not be able to say 
 
TOKYO 00004542  011 OF 013 
 
 
they have never refueled any of their ships participating in 
operations other than the Afghan campaign." With this, Nagashima 
pursued the government's accountability. 
 
DPJ Vice President Nato Kan commented: "If the government had 
intentionally allowed such a thing (to refuel foreign vessels for 
other purposes), that means the government has deceived the Diet and 
the public and such activities have gone out of civilian control. We 
will request complete information disclosure." In addition, Kan also 
noted that the US Navy's 5th Fleet website describes the use of 
MSDF-supplied fuel for other purposes. 
 
15) Japan during bilateral foreign ministerial asks US to disclose 
information on use of fuel it supplied: Defense Ministry starts 
investigating use of fuel 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura yesterday met with US Secretary of 
State Rice at the US Department of State. Komura explained that 
Japan is doing its utmost for the continuation of the refueling 
operation in the Indian Ocean by the Maritime Self-Defense Force 
(MSDF). He called on the US to disclose locations of the operations 
of US vessels that received fuel from MSDF vessels, noting, "It is 
very difficult to persuade the opposition camp and the public 
without information." 
 
Regarding whether to remove North Korea from the US list of state 
sponsors of terrorism, Komura pointed out, "If the nation is removed 
from the list before the abduction issue is settled, we would lose 
leverage in promoting Japan-North Korea relations." Rice replied, 
"We understand Japan's position. We will take it into 
consideration." 
 
The Defense Ministry yesterday announced that they launched an 
investigation to find out activities in which fuel provided by MSDF 
vessels in the Indian Ocean was used. The opposition camp and civic 
groups have claimed that fuel provided by Japan was used for the 
Iraq war contrary to the objective of the law. The Defense Ministry 
intends to dispel this allegation regarding all refueling cases. 
 
According to the ministry, the MSDF provided approximately 480,000 
kiloliters to US and British vessels through August 30. Vice Defense 
Minister Kohei Masuda explained, "We are now confirming facts and 
checking every single case. We will confirm facts as much as we can, 
though there is a military restriction." 
 
Masuda said that the ministry would inquire of fuel recipient 
countries, according to need, assuming cases like an MSDF vessel 
refueled a US supply vessel, and the US supply vessel refueled US 
carrier vessels. 
 
Appearing on a TV-Asahi program, Defense Minister Ishiba said the 
same day, "It will not do just to say that there will be no problem, 
since Japan has signed an exchange of notes with the US. We will 
obtain all data so that we can rebut the criticism properly." He 
said that the investigation would end by around Oct. 9. 
 
16) Hospitalized former Prime Minister Abe temporarily returns home 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
 
TOKYO 00004542  012 OF 013 
 
 
September 28, 2007 
 
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has been in Keio University 
Hospital since Sept. 13, was allowed to return temporarily to his 
private residence in Tomigaya, Tokyo. It was first time for Abe to 
spend the night away from the hospital. According to persons close 
to Abe, doctors judged that there was a possibility that Abe would 
get better at home more quickly than at the hospital since his 
appetite has now increased. Abe will decide on when to leave the 
hospital after hearing doctors' diagnosis. 
 
17) Poll: 74 PERCENT  urge Diet dissolution within 1 year 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Abridged) 
September 28, 2007 
 
The Mainichi Shimbun conducted a nationwide public opinion survey on 
Sept. 25-26. In the survey, respondents were asked if they thought 
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda should dissolve the House of 
Representatives for a general election. In response to this 
question, a total of 74 PERCENT  answered that the Diet should be 
dissolved within one year, with only 20 PERCENT  saying there is no 
need to dissolve the Diet. The next general election for the House 
of Representatives is expected to be an election for the public 
choice of government. The survey shows that the general public wants 
an early election for the Diet's lower chamber. 
 
Respondents were also asked which political party they would like to 
see win in the next general election for the House of 
Representatives. To this question, 45 PERCENT  chose the leading 
opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto), with 41 PERCENT 
picking the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and 9 PERCENT  opting 
for other political parties. 
 
18) Prime Minister Fukuda to deliver policy speech on Oct. 1 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
September 28, 2007 
 
The House of Representatives Rules and Administration Committee 
decided yesterday that Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will deliver his 
policy address on Oct. 1 and hold interpellations by party 
representatives on Oct. 3-4. 
 
The House of Councillors is also set to decide today on Prime 
Minister Fukuda's policy speech for Oct. 1 and representative 
interpellations for Oct. 4-5. The timetable will be determined to 
resume the extraordinary Diet session, which has been stalled since 
former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's announcement of his resignation. 
 
19) DPJ's strategy of submitting a storm of own bills to Upper 
House 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Excerpts) 
September 28, 2007 
 
The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has stepped up 
its efforts to submit more of its own bills to the current session 
of the Diet, switching from the initial plan to reduce the number of 
bills to be submitted. The DPJ executive in the House of Councillors 
caucus shifted from a cautious stance with one word from President 
Ichiro Ozawa. The LDP Upper House leadership had said that those 
 
TOKYO 00004542  013 OF 013 
 
 
answering questions would need sufficient time for their 
preparations. Ozawa's aim is to counter the government of Prime 
Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who has advocated a dialogue-oriented policy, 
through debate at the Diet by submitting a storm of its own bills 
from pledges included in its manifesto for the July Upper House 
election. 
 
The DPJ submitted yesterday to the Upper House a bill revising the 
Natural Disaster Victims Relief Law. The measure is designed to 
allow victims to use relief funds also for housing construction, 
purchasing and repairing costs, raising the upper limit on the 
relief funds from 3 million yen (including 1 million yen for 
livelihood support) to 5 million yen, offering funds retroactively 
to January this year. 
 
The largest opposition party decided on Sept. 27 to submit to the 
Upper House a bill revising the law to support the disabled persons' 
self-reliance on Sept. 28 and an anti-hepatitis measures law next 
week. Deputy President Naoto Kan revealed at a press conference on 
the 27th that the DPJ would present to the current session a pension 
system reform bill. 
 
The DPJ has fallen in step with Ozawa's order. Ozawa called his aide 
on the morning of Sept. 26, asking, "How are bills going on?" His 
aide replied, "Nothing is going on." Attending a meeting that day of 
the Next Cabinet, Ozawa urged each lawmaker to submit a list of 
bills to him, saying, "If you submit no bills to the Diet, the DPJ's 
reputation will be damaged." 
 
20) Former US Ambassador to Japan Mondale meets with DPJ head Ozawa 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
September 28, 2007 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa met yesterday 
at party headquarters with former US Vice President Walter Mondale, 
who is in Japan to give a speech. He spoke of the Japan-US 
relationship with such comments as, "We must become an ally that 
American can rely on and that does not leave everything to the US to 
handle." Ozawa, who is opposed to the extension of Maritime 
Self-Defense Force (MSDF) continuing refueling activities in the 
Indian Ocean, seemed to aim at making an appeal through an American 
connection of his party's stance of placing importance on the US 
relationship. Mondale has had close relations with Ozawa since the 
time he was ambassador to Japan from 1993-95. The meeting was held 
at Mondale's wish. 
 
SCHIEFFER