AMBASSADOR ROOS DISCUSSES BASING ISSUES WITH KANAGAWA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 002108 DEPT FOR EAP/J SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON MARR PGOV PREL JA SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR ROOS DISCUSSES BASING ISSUES WITH KANAGAWA GOVERNOR MATSUZAWA ¶1. (SBU) Summary: During a September 7 courtesy call with Kanagawa Governor Shigefumi Matsuzawa, the Ambassador said there would be no renegotiation of the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and stated the USG implements the higher of the U.S. or Japanese standards on environmental protection and clean up at the bases. Matsuzawa reiterated his support for DPRI, and stressed the importance of implementing the realignment plan, as agreed. Lastly, the Ambassador said he would assist in scheduling meetings for Matsuzawa and Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima for their November 5-6 visit to Washington, D.C. End Summary. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Governor Matsuzawa prominently displayed the memorabilia from his trip to Washington, D.C. for President Obama's inauguration for the meeting, and he talked effusively about his time at the event. Matsuzawa said the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is looking forward to working with the Democratic Administration in the U.S. The Ambassador told him that the U.S. Government appreciates his positive efforts and support for Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI) and the other moving pieces (air wing relocation) and requested that he continue positively advising his DPJ colleagues. Matsuzawa said he would continue to advise his DPJ colleagues on the benefits of DPRI, but had three issues he needed to discuss: (1) SOFA renegotiation or conclusion of a Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on environmental issues; (2) his upcoming November trip to the U.S. with Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima; and (3) holding the second consultative meeting on base issues before the end of the year. SOFA RENEGOTIATION - A FIRM "NO" -------------- ¶3. (SBU) In response to Matsuzawa's suggestion that the U.S.-Japan SOFA be renegotiated or a Special Measures Agreement (SMA) be concluded to address environmental concerns, the Ambassador told the Governor that there is no need to revise the SOFA. The U.S.-Japan SOFA is being actively interpreted and its application improved through the Joint Committee and works well for both our countries. He added that the U.S. Government upholds the highest standard on environmental protection and clean up. He noted that the USG applies the Joint Committee agreement which allows for the stricter law or regulation between the U.S. and Japan if an environmental incident were to occur on a U.S. base in Japan. The Ambassador stressed that he wants good communication with the Governor and the cities of Kanagawa, broad local-level interaction, because these groups' views are important and he is personally sympathetic to the importance these groups place on these issues. NOVEMBER VISIT TO WASHINGTON -------------- ¶4. (SBU) As to Matsuzawa's and Nakaima's trip to the U.S. scheduled for November 5-6, the Governor requested the Ambassador's assistance in organizing meetings at the Departments of State and Defense, with members of Congress, with key think tanks and academics. He added that they would like to call on President Obama, if possible. The Ambassador told the Governor the embassy would assist in scheduling meetings, but stressed he can only pass the Governor's request for a meeting with the President to the NSC and that he could not speak for the President's time. Matsuzawa appreciated the candor on this request. DPRI -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Matsuzawa noted that he saw two challenges ahead on DPRI. He said the first issue would be in getting the DPJ on board the realignment plan, in particular FRF. He also expressed his concern on the delay in identifying a permanent FCLP site. Matsuzawa reiterated his support for the realignment plan and stressed the importance of implementing the plan "thoroughly, as agreed, and as scheduled." He added that the realignment plan was a government-to-government agreement, and not an agreement made with the LDP. He added that as a former DPJ Lower House member, he still has many friends in the party and hopes to use his weight in convincing the DPJ to move forward with the realignment programs. The Ambassador thanked the Governor for his positive efforts and support. SECOND LIAISON MEETING BY YEAR'S END? -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Governor Matsuzawa was very appreciative of former Ambassador Schieffer's efforts to organize the first Liaison Meeting between the USG-USFJ-GOJ and Governors Association to discuss basing issues. He asked that the Ambassador assist in scheduling the second Liaison Meeting before the end of the year. The Ambassador TOKYO 00002108 002 OF 002 pledged to help try and schedule the meeting before the end of the year because he views this communication as critical, and because he believes these consultations produce results. The meetings need to continue so that we facilitate open communication among the four groups. APEC AND EMBASSY-KANAGAWA TIES -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Matsuzawa was very pleased the first meeting and told the Ambassador would like to organize a helicopter tour of Kanagawa Prefecture, including a lunch stop at his favorite, secluded restaurant in Hakone and an aerial tour of the APEC sites for 2010. The Ambassador agreed to this proposal to strengthen the personal relationship, and stressed he wants to do all he can to ensure APEC 2010 is a success and builds momentum for APEC 2011 in the United States. ROOS