VZCZCXYZ0017
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #2645 3342040
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 302036Z NOV 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO IMMEDIATE 1492
INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 5971
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

UNCLAS STATE 122645 
 
SIPDIS 
COMMERCE PASS TO NOAA 
WHITE HOUSE PASS TO CEQ 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OPDC PREL SENV IWC
SUBJECT: SECRETARY CLINTON'S LETTER TO FOREIGN MINISTER OKADA 
 
¶1.  (U) Please deliver the following message from Secretary Clinton 
to Japanese Foreign Minister Okada.  There will be no signed 
original. 
 
¶2.  (U) BEGIN TEXT: 
 
Dear Mr. Minister: 
 
I am writing to request your cooperation in resolving issues that 
are pending before the International Whaling Commission (IWC).  The 
IWC has not functioned effectively for years due to the polarized 
views of its members. Conflicts within the IWC have increasingly 
undermined its effectiveness and have become difficult for our two 
governments.  Although previous efforts to resolve the conflicts 
within the organization have not succeeded, the United 
States believes an opportunity currently exists that may not exist 
in future years. 
 
Most recently, a small Support Group of member nations, including 
Japan and the United States, met in October 2009 in Santiago, Chile. 
The United States supports the emerging agreement that would set 
overall whale catches at a reduced level while longer-term 
negotiations continue.  We nevertheless recognize that work remains 
to be done to bridge remaining differences on key issues. 
 
Although all IWC members will ultimately share responsibility for 
the success or failure of this process, the approach Japan takes in 
the immediate future will have a major impact on the likelihood of 
success.  The United States strongly urges Japan to join with other 
IWC members who have shown a willingness to compromise in the short 
term in order to reach the long-term goal of a normalized IWC. 
 
The United States is hopeful that we will be able to find common 
ground on this issue such that the IWC may move forward towards the 
development of a consensus agreement.  In particular, I urge your 
government to engage in substantive discussions on your lethal 
research whaling program to facilitate a resolution of this matter 
very soon.  In the context of a comprehensive set of reforms of the 
IWC, the United States is prepared to consider an arrangement within 
the IWC that provides international recognition of Japan's 
sustainable, small-type, coastal whaling practices, 
provided Japan's reduction in overall catch levels are meaningful 
and represent a significant reduction in whales taken over the 
period of the agreement. 
 
This issue has historically been difficult for our two nations.  If 
we can resolve this long-standing difficult issue, both of our 
governments stand to benefit.  We look forward to working closely 
with your government over the coming months to develop a consensus 
solution. 
 
Sincerely yours, 
 
Hillary Rodham Clinton 
 
End text. 
CLINTON