Mr. Francis's Comment Printed on Time Magazine

 YOUR ARTICLE ON THE CALL FOR THE expulsion of U.S. bases [Nov. 6] is sensitive
 to the issues that have caused the outburst of anger by the people of Okinawa.
 The source of the frustration is the sense of being overpowered by the presence
 of the U.S. military during the past 50 years.  Tokyo's discriminatory attitude
 toward Okinawa is also a significant factor in the recent uprising.  I hope that
 U.S. hears the voices being raised in Okinawa.  They are pleading to be released
 from the oppressive U.S. military presence.  Okinawans want their island to be a
 keystone of peace in the Pacific, not the keystone of military power.

Original Comment of Mr. Francis

 Your feature article of "Yankee Go Home" in the November 6th issue is very well
 written and is sensitive to the issues causing the present outburst of anger and
 frustration by the people of Okinawa.  The spirit of the article is accurate in
 identifying the source of the frustration as being the overpowering oppression
 of the U.S. military bases over the past fifty years.  The issue of the
 discriminatory attitude with which Okinawa is treated by Tokyo governmental
 structures is also a significant factor in this present uprising.

 However, your article title and the front page cover communicates a strong
 "anti-American" image which is unfortunate.  This Rally was not "anti-American".
  It was about the oppressive military presence that continues to bring
 inconvenience, danger and injury to Okinawans in their daily life.  It was an
 expression of the weariness at the continued crimes caused by military personnel
 and the protective measures taken by U.S. military to protect the suspects of
 crimes.

 The cover picture of the burning of the American flag and the article title are
 disappointing.  These communicate an "anti-American" image.  You should know
 that the young woman who burned the American flag, after the Rally had closed,
 is not an Okinawan.  She is from Osaka, and she was acting completely contrary
 to the spirit and meaning of the rally.  A picture of the great mass of some
 85,000 persons, the young high school girl Sugako NAKAMUA who made a most
 impressive appeal or a picture of Okinawa's Governor Masahide OTA addressing the
 Rally would have been more appropriate.  My fear is that many Americans will see
 the cover picture and make an emotional response based on a misunderstanding.

 It is my hope that people in the United States will hear the voice that is being
 raised in Okinawa.  It is a plea to be released from the burden of 50 years of
 oppressive U.S. military presence.  It is a plea that their island be allowed to
 be a "Keystone of Peace in the Pacific" and not that "Keystone of Military Power
in the Pacific."

 Please continue to report the voice of the Okinawa people to your readers.