SECRETARY CLINTON'S LETTER TO FOREIGN MINISTER OKADA

UNCLAS STATE 122645

SIPDIS
COMMERCE PASS TO NOAA
WHITE HOUSE PASS TO CEQ

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL SENV IWC
SUBJECT: SECRETARY CLINTON'S LETTER TO FOREIGN MINISTER OKADA


1. (U) Please deliver the following message from Secretary Clinton
to Japanese Foreign Minister Okada. There will be no signed
original.


2. (U) BEGIN TEXT:

Dear Mr. Minister:

I am writing to request your cooperation in resolving issues that
are pending before the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The
IWC has not functioned effectively for years due to the polarized
views of its members. Conflicts within the IWC have increasingly
undermined its effectiveness and have become difficult for our two
governments. Although previous efforts to resolve the conflicts
within the organization have not succeeded, the United
States believes an opportunity currently exists that may not exist
in future years.

Most recently, a small Support Group of member nations, including
Japan and the United States, met in October 2009 in Santiago, Chile.
The United States supports the emerging agreement that would set
overall whale catches at a reduced level while longer-term
negotiations continue. We nevertheless recognize that work remains
to be done to bridge remaining differences on key issues.

Although all IWC members will ultimately share responsibility for
the success or failure of this process, the approach Japan takes in
the immediate future will have a major impact on the likelihood of
success. The United States strongly urges Japan to join with other
IWC members who have shown a willingness to compromise in the short
term in order to reach the long-term goal of a normalized IWC.

The United States is hopeful that we will be able to find common
ground on this issue such that the IWC may move forward towards the
development of a consensus agreement. In particular, I urge your
government to engage in substantive discussions on your lethal
research whaling program to facilitate a resolution of this matter
very soon. In the context of a comprehensive set of reforms of the
IWC, the United States is prepared to consider an arrangement within
the IWC that provides international recognition of Japan's
sustainable, small-type, coastal whaling practices,
provided Japan's reduction in overall catch levels are meaningful
and represent a significant reduction in whales taken over the
period of the agreement.

This issue has historically been difficult for our two nations. If
we can resolve this long-standing difficult issue, both of our
governments stand to benefit. We look forward to working closely
with your government over the coming months to develop a consensus
solution.

Sincerely yours,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

End text.
CLINTON