MEDIA REACTION Q AIRLINE TERROR PLOT IN BRITAIN

UNCLAS TOKYO 004523 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR, EAP/J, EAP/P, PM; USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI; SECDEF FOR OASD/PA; CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION Q AIRLINE TERROR PLOT IN BRITAIN - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: All six papers gave front-page play to reports from London on an announcement Thursday by Scotland Yard that British police arrested 21 suspects in connection with a plot to blow up passenger planes in mid- flight between Britain and the US. ¶1. There were no immediate editorials or TV commentaries concerning the terror plot. ¶2. "Plot Aimed at Dealing New Blow to US and Britain?" London correspondent Inada of the liberal Asahi commented (8/11): "With the fifth anniversary of 9/11 close at hand, it is believed that the terror plot uncovered Thursday in Britain was an attempt by Islamic radicals to deal a new blow to the US and Britain, which are spearheading the war on terrorism. Due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, Britain has decided to send additional troops there. Iraq is also on the brink of civil war. To make matters worse, the Israel Defense Forces are intensifying attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, giving Islamic radicals an excuse to launch terrorist attacks." ¶3. "Terror Plot Seen as Direct Threat to US" Washington correspondent Sakamoto of the top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri commented (8/11): "White House Press Secretary Snow suggested that the terror plot foiled Thursday in Britain posed a direct threat to the security of the US, as all the planes targeted were registered to US-based carriers. Speculation is rife that Al-Qaeda was involved in the plot." ¶4. "US, Britain Concerned About More Terror Plots" The business-oriented Nihon Keizai's London and Washington correspondents wrote (8/11): "The terror plot exposed by British police Thursday targeted the US and Britain. There are reports that most of the 21 suspects taken into custody are British citizens of Pakistani ancestry, raising speculation that Islamic terrorist cells still exist in Britain. With the fifth anniversary of 9/11 approaching, US and British police and security officials are tightening security in anticipation of further plots." SCHIEFFER