MOFA SPEAKS TO EMBASSY REGARDING UPCOMING FCLP.

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 001919 SIPDIS SIPDIS TO COMUSJAPAN FOR J00 E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/27/2017 TAGS: PGOV JA PARM PGOV SUBJECT: MOFA SPEAKS TO EMBASSY REGARDING UPCOMING FCLP. Classified By: Charge d'Affaires a.i., Joe Donovan for reasons 1.4(b) a nd (d) ¶1. (C) In a scripted exchange using language employed prior to other rounds of Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) MOFA DDG of North AMERICA Affairs Kazuyoshi Umemoto spoke with A/DCM Mike Meserve on April 25 regarding the May 2 to May 11, 2007 FCLP. Umemoto asked for the U.S. Government to: -- Use Iwo Jima as the site for FCLP as much as possible. -- To consciously avoid excessive sound around Atsugi airbase. -- To pay consideration to the fact that noise complaints are amplified during the night hours. -- To adhere to the noise abatement agreement around Atsugi airbase. -- If required, to reduce any noise problems at backup airfields. ¶2. (C) In response, Mr. Meserve, using scripted language used previously in reply to MOFA's expressions of concern, stated that: -- FCLP training is critical for the readiness of the carrier and its air wing, and as a result, for our ability to maintain our treaty commitments to defend Japan and maintain security for the region. -- The USG understands the Government of Japan,s request. We will conduct FCLP as much as possible at Iwo Jima. -- The USG understands the local concerns about noise and. As always, makes every effort to mitigate noise. -- The USG will abide by the noise abatement agreement around Atsugi airbase. ¶3. (C) COMMENT: MOFA explained to Embassy Tokyo that set messages on FCLP like this are only delivered so that MOFA can explain to local government authroities that they have conveyed a formal statement to the U.S. Government regarding FCLP. END COMMENT. DONOVAN