Block 'war-nation legislation' mobilizing the public for U.S. wars: JCP issues appeal

Following the Koizumi Cabinet's approval on April 16 of the three contingency bills to be put to parliamentary discussions, the Japanese Communist Party published an appeal, titled "Block the 'war legislation' for national mobilization for U.S. wars!"

The appeal, published on top front page of the April 17 issue of Akahata, pointed out that the wartime legislation is precisely what the U.S. and Japanese government have long sought under the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty since the unconstitutional Self-Defense Forces were established.

"Act now to firmly defend the constitutional principles of peace and democracy, convincing the public that blocking the emergency bills will promote Japan's progressive change," stated the appeal.

The JCP on the same day announced that it has set up a "task force against wartime legislation," headed by Fudesaka Hideyo, JCP acting Secretariat head and House of Councilors member.

Protests

On April 16, voices of protest against the wartime legislation resounded around the Diet Building.

About 500 people from a network of 20 trade unions of ground, sea, air, and dock workers, and Buddhist and Christian organizations distributed handbills calling for the unconstitutional bills to be scrapped.

A young girl from the group 'Chance' asked lawmakers and Foreign Ministry officials, "Are you making diplomatic efforts to prevent such emergencies?"

A priest from the Japan Buddha Sangha emphasized the need to increase the struggle against the special procedure legislation based on agreed points of "No to war, and defend lives."

Dietmembers from the JCP, the Democratic Party of Japan, and the Social Democratic Party spoke to and encouraged the protesters.

Members of the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) and the Japan Federation of Prefectural and Municipal Workers' Unions carried out anti-wartime bill actions in Tokyo.

In Inagawa Town in Akita in northeast Japan where low flight exercises have been frequently held by U.S. military aircraft, the assembly unanimously resolved to be in opposition to the wartime bills in its March session.

The contingency bills were submitted to the Diet on April 17 (for Akahata editorial on this, see separate item). (end)