Statements

The Japan P.E.N. Club, as an association of writers who subscribe to the P.E.N. Charter and pledge themselves to do their utmost to dispel race, class and national hatreds, and to champion the ideal of one humanity living in peace in one world, has been deeply concerned by the attitude of the Government of the United States of America who conduct their negotiations with Irak by threat of military intervention. We cannot, under any circumstances, accept solution of problems by means of brutal force. We know through the experience of the Gulf War, and the direct involvement of the Japanese nation in the Second World War, that once use of force is allowed, damage and casualties are inflicted not only to military objectives but also to ordinary citizens. It is our earnest hope that negotiation through peaceful means will make it possible to avoid such foreseable calamities.

We pay tribute to the diplomatic efforts deployed by the UN Secretary General, Mr. Anan who went to Baghdad and succeeded in reaching an agreement with the Iraqi Government for their acceptance of an inspection mission based on a resolution of the Security Council of the UN for the elimination of mass destruction weapons which are said to be in Irak's possession.

While appreciating the success of the first phase of the above diplomatic initiative, we strongly urge again the Government of the United States of America to avoid threats of use of force or solution of conflicts by means of use of force.

We still remember Prime Minister Hashimoto's statement made recently, in which he said that « diplomatic efforts would be carried on, while endeavouring to face the situation in cooperation with the United States of America and the other countries concerned. » However, it is also reported that at some point in time, he said that he might accept that force be used against Irak.

As the Prime Minister of a country that has given up any recourse to threat of military action or use thereof for the settlement of international conflicts, as prescribed in Article 9 of its Constitution, Mr Hashimoto should resolutely affirm to the world, now more than ever, the deep aspiration of the Japanese people for the peaceful and non-military solution of international problems.

February 24th, 1998