RESPONDING TO JAPAN'S REQUEST FOR "RECIPROCITY"

UNCLAS STATE 064019

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD EWWT JA
SUBJECT: RESPONDING TO JAPAN'S REQUEST FOR "RECIPROCITY"

REF: TOKYO 638


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 4.


2. (U) BACKGROUND: The Government of Japan (GOJ) and the
Department of Energy (DOE) recently commenced a Megaports
Initiative pilot project at the Port of Yokohama.
Discussions between the GOJ and DOE regarding a range of
Megaports issues are ongoing. During the course of these
discussions, the GOJ has looked to leverage its cooperation
with DOE to obtain additional information from DHS on
maritime containers outbound from the Port of LA/LB to Japan.
The GOJ has referred to this as a request for "reciprocity."
Note that this "reciprocity" request is distinct from
DOE-GOJ discussions regarding parameters and procedures by
which radiation/nuclear detection scan data obtained by the
GOJ at the Port of Yokohama can be shared with DOE.


3. (U) Reftel outlined three options proposed by the GOJ by
which "Japanese Container Security Initiative (CSI) officers
at the Port of LA/LB would target containers of concern for
additional radiation screening." These options were:

-- Use of RPM to scan targeted cargo as it passes through the
import side of the port.

-- Use of a handheld radiation detection device to scan
targeted containers.

-- Scan cargo through a mobile X-ray machine before it is
loaded onto the vessel.


4. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Embassy Tokyo is requested to
emphasize the following points in responding to Japan's
request for so-called "reciprocity":

-- Acknowledge that there has been some confusion regarding
the specific nature of the Japanese request, but that DHS
continues to consider opportunities to increase the sharing
of information on containers moving through the global supply
chain with international partners (such as Japan).

-- Note that under the Container Security Initiative (CSI),
U.S officials stationed at four Japanese ports already work
to identify and, in concert with Japanese officials, further
inspect high risk cargo destined to the United States.

-- Emphasize that CSI is a reciprocal program; Japanese
officials also work in the Port of LA/LB and the National
Targeting Center for Cargo to target containers bound to
Japan. As such, DHS remains committed to sharing available
information on Japan-bound containers that either originate
or are transshipped through the United States.

-- Point out that DHS has accommodated 100% of Japanese
requests for information or inspection of suspect or high
risk containers and will continue to provide outbound
manifest information on shipments bound to Japan.

-- However, stress that we remain open to enhancing our
cooperation with Japan at LA/LB. Towards this end, are able
to offer the following additional support at this time:

-- Japanese officials stationed in LA/LB may continue to
request inspection of suspect or high-risk containers bound
to Japan.

-- Once these containers are identified, DHS officials at
LA/LB will use both non-intrusive imaging and radiation
detection technologies to scan these containers.

-- DHS will share with Japanese targeters the results of all
scans conducted on suspect or high-risk containers.


5. (SBU) In delivering this message, Embassy is encouraged
to reiterate that matters pertaining to U.S. outbound
containers are unrelated to the Megaports Initiative and
should be treated as a separate issue to be discussed with
DHS.

IF JAPAN CONTINUES TO REQUEST MEGAPORTS EQUIVALENT AT THE
PORT OF LA/LB:


6. (SBU) In the event that Japanese officials continue to
request additional capabilities at LA/LX, Embassy Tokyo is
requested to ask the following questions:

-- We would like to know why you are dissatisfied with the
existing level of security cooperation that is already in
place in LA/LB. What additional security operations would
you like to see added?

-- Is Japan asking this of any other countries? Do you
intend to? If not, why are you only asking this of the United
States?
CLINTON