U.S. N-sub visit schedules to be withheld

The Foreign Ministry announced on September 21 that in response to a
request from the United States, it will suspend the practice of informing
the public of the schedules of U.S. nuclear submarine visits to Japanese
ports.

The ministry said it has requested that the local governments concerned,
including Yokosuka City and Okinawa Prefecture, respect the measure.

The announcement also promised that Japan will strengthen security
measures at U.S. bases in Japan as part of its support for the United States
in its fight against terrorism. There are about 130 U.S. military bases and
other facilities and about 47,000 troops stationed in Japan.

The Japanese government has made public the schedules of U.S. nuclear
submarine visits to Japanese ports based on the Aug. 1964 U.S. government
statement promising a 24-hour advance notice on each visit. (end)