80000 at anti-base rally

        The largest demonstration against the US military presence since
the  Reversion of Okinawa in 1972 was held at the Ginowan Seaside Park on
October 21. It had the dual purpose of protesting the school girl rape and
demanding a review of the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement(SOFA).
        According to the organizers, 85,000 including some mainlanders,
attended the rally, though the police estimated the number at 58,000.
Organaized by 53 Okinawan municipalities, by political parties and 120
associations such as labor unions, it had the widest support since the 1956
Okinawa land confiscation rally.
        Four demands were proclaimed: the tightening of discipline for US
troops based here, an apology from the US government and full compensation
for the victim, a full review of SOFA, and an expedited consolidation of US
bases on Okinawa.
        Governor Ota is refusing to sign proxy documents whereby the
government can force reluctant owners of US-occupied land to renew their
leases. The outcome would be to force the government to change its policy
toward Okinawa as the principal host of Us forces in Japan, and a great
influence on the agenda and outcome of this November's Clinton-Murayama
summit.
        Speaking at the rally, Governor Ota said "Though the government
promised to consider the Okinawa issue seriously when I signed Last year's 
lease renewals, they have achieved nothing."
        Rally organizer delegates presented their proclamation to the Prime
Minister and other cabinet ministers on October 24.
             (Oct. 22 Sun, am ed)