DEMAND REVISION OF ARTICLE VI OF THE TREATY OF MUTUAL COOPERATION AND SECURITY BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, REGARDING FACILITIES AND AREAS AND THE STATUS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES IN JAPAN

Article VI of the treaty is composed of several articles.
The article currently under concern is article 17 regarding
criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction.  
Subject 5(c) especially favors the United States Military
even when the criminal jurisdiction is under Japan.  To
correct this unfairness and deter military personnels from
committing a crime in Japan, we strongly demand the revision
of ARTICLE VI.  

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ARTICLE VI OF THE TREATY OF MUTUAL COOPERATION AND SECURITY
BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, REGARDING
FACILITIES AND AREAS AND THE STATUS OF UNITED STATES ARMED
FORCES IN JAPAN, ARTICLE XVII, SUBJECT 5
5. (a) The authorities of Japan and the military authorities
       of the United States shall assist each other in the
       arrest of members of the United States armed forces,
       the civilian component, or their dependents in the 
       territory of Japan and in handing them over to the
       authority which is to excercise jurisdiction in 
       accordance with the above provisions.

   (b) The authorities of Japan shall notify promptly the
       military authorities of the United States of the 
       arrest of any member of the United States armed
       forces, the civilian component, or a dependent.

   (c) The custody of an accused member of the United
       States armed forces or the civilian component
       over whom Japan is to exercise jurisdiction
       shall,  if he is in the hands of the United States,
       remain with the United States until he is charged
       by Japan.
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The above subject (5 (c)) is unfair in a way that it is
possible for the suspect to leave the country or escape
while under US military custody.  There were several
cases where the suspect had escaped from military custody
or returned to the states before being convicted.