Okinawans only lose by saying no

Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto's apology to the people of Okinawa, and promise to makeup for the economic neglect of their island, may not end the controversy over the American military presence there. But whatever the complaints, and however justified some of them may be, it would indeed be short-sighted to view the local problem in isolation from the mood of the Japanese people as a whole, Tokyo's overall relations with Washington, and security needs in he Asia-pacific region.

Taking all these into account, it is not difficult to see why American officials refuse to get worked up over the Sept. 8 referendum, relying on the joint special Action Committee on Okinawa to restore equanimity. But however diplomatic the U.S. State Department might be, the danger of American voters reacting adversely to persistent pinpricks cannot be ruled out.

Essentially, however, this is a domestic, rather than a foreign policy, problem.

There is understandable anger over the reprehensible conduct of individual American servicemen, and this is an irritant that must be removed before calm can be restored. But there is nothing to suggest that anyone questions the underlying rationale of Japan playing host to some 47,000 American troops.

Had that been so, the Joint Declaration on Security, providing for far more intensive participation and partnership, would not have been signed on April 17. What does seem to be the problem is that the Japanese sometimes give the impression of wanting to eat their cake and have it. It means in this context a reluctance to accept that all debts cannot be paid by picking up the tab, even if it amounts to a handsome U.S.$7 billion.

However, the joint declaration did recognize the local dimensions of the problem, and agree to reduce the American presence in Okinawa. Mr. Hashimoto reiterated this commitment when he visited the island on Tuesday, revealing details of specific plans to shift the Futemma air base to an offshore heliport as part of the undertaking to close down or move nine out of 40 military installations.

He also promised to set up a $63-million fund for the economic development of what is the country's poorest prefecture. The economic package has been under discussion for some time. Various projects and concessions have been mentioned, and though details have yet to be finalized, the aim is to ensure that Okinawa's average income does not languish forever at 50 percent of Tokyo's. While the anti-U.S. base campaign did acquire a momentum of its own, it was also an important counter in Okinawa's bargaining with the central government to end years of neglect.

Even so, the movement may have been in some danger of running out of steam.

-- The Straits Times, Singapore