Dec 1, 2010
People
WikiLeaks Japan: Coaxing Tokyo on its Arms Export Embargo
From a September 17, 2009, cable classified as “secret” from the U.S. Secretary of State to various embassies including the U.S. embassy in Tokyo discussing how embassy officials should approach their Japanese counterparts regarding President Obama’s decision to restructure its defense strategy to a U.S.-European-based ballistic missile defense system. The cable advises staff on how to approach the issue of Washington’s intent to sell a missile system in Europe that was jointly developed with Japan. Tokyo has an official policy of an embargo on all arms exports. The following are excerpts of talking points related to Japan:
- AFP/Getty Images
- A tank fires a missile during a fire drill of the Ground Self-Defense Force at the foot of Mount Fuji in Gotenba located west of Tokyo in August.
- As you are aware, the BMD Review (ballistic missile defense) has undertaken a comprehensive examination of our approach to missile defenses, including an in-depth look at our approach to European missile defense and in other regions around the world.
– USG discussions with the MOD and MOFA over the last several months made clear that you have particular interest in the European missile defense analysis — we understand these strategic decisions have an impact in the Asia-Pacific region and want to make sure you are fully informed of our results.
– Throughout the review process the U.S. recognized and factored in Japanese concerns/equities especially those related to our on-going discussions with the Russian Federation.
OTHER CONSULTATIONS
- We would like to explain the President’s decision to you before our public announcement and before we speak with Russia. We are discussing this new European approach with Poland, the Czech Republic, and NATO, as we speak.
THE PHASED ADAPTIVE APPROACH
- As you have seen, the new plan for European missile defense will use the SM-3 interceptor, both land- and sea-based, rather than GBIs included in the previous program.
- In many ways, your leadership and partnership in the development of the SM-3 and in operational coordination have been critical to our development of this new approach to Europe. Just as we have cooperatively deployed proven and transportable missile defenses to help defend against ballistic missile threats in the Asia-Pacific region, we will deploy those same technologies and capabilities in Europe.
- At this time, the new European approach is based on U.S.-owned SM-3s. However, we will want to look at future missile defense opportunities with NATO and our European allies that could include potential sales of a number of missile defense capabilities. We would very much like to
work with Japan to make strategic decisions about whether and how our jointly developed missile (i.e., the SM-3 Block IIA) could be part of that future, and perhaps part of a future networked global system of regional missile defense architectures.
- We look forward to continuing our strong partnership on missile defense and growing our cooperative activities.
IF ASKED ABOUT BURDEN SHARING AT NATO:
- As you well know, this type of approach creates opportunities for participation ) for example, in command and control, sensors, and interceptors ) and enhanced cooperation, similar to the type that we already enjoy. We look forward to engaging with NATO soon about how our new approach contributes to common defenses and how we can share responsibilities in that effort.