Protest Resolution
Today , we assemble here to express our indignation over the
violent assault on a young girl committed by American servicemen on
September 4, 1995. We are here to share our grief for the victim and
others affected by this tragedy and to express our strong resentment
towards those responsible for this incident.
As human beings, we find this assault absolutely inexcusable and truly
outrageous. Such brutal crimes, which have been repeatedly committed by US
military personnel, clearly show a decline of discipline, and are
indicative of the deep-rooted occupation mentality that has lasted to this
day. Moreover, it shows that here is a complete lack of respect for the
Okinawan people's dignity and human rights. One million two hundred fifty
thousand Okinawa citizens have transcended their political views and
ideologies, and all unite in strong protest against this incident. We voice
our downright anger against the American authorities who, despite the
incident's brutality, refused to extradite the suspects to the Okinawan
Police Department and instead chose to take refuge in the US-Japan Status
of forces Agreement. We also express our wrath towards the Japanese
Government, which as an independent nation whose sovereign rights were
clearly being infringed upon, failed to take determined diplomatic measures
and resorted to weak-kneed diplomacy.
We are outraged and distrustful of the Japanese Government's
position after the occurrence of the incident. In other words, this episode
inadvertently but clearly revealed the government's lack of recognition of
Okinawa.
The national government approves of the current situation in which
75% of all American military installations in Japan are forced on Okinawa,
which comprises only 0.6% of Janan's total land area. This demonstrates the
fact that they are indeed insensitive to the Okinawan people's pain and
hardships.
In this 50th year of the end of World War II, we the participants
in this rally, watch closely for the initiation of thorough and
fundamental measures by the Japanese Government to alleviate the current
situation in Okinawa. We consider this a test for Japanese post-war
politics and democracy.
Therefore, under the name of all attending the rally and of the one
million two hundred fifty thousand citizens of Okinawa, we hereby protest
against the assault committed by American servicemen, and demand the
immediate resolution of the following items:
1. Enforcement of military discipline, and eradication of
crimes committed by US military personnel.
2.Immediate apology and complete compensation to the
victim .
3.Immediate reversion of the US-Japan Status of Forces
Agreement.
4.Promotion of the reduction and realignment of US
military bases in Okinawa .
October 21, 1995
Okinawan People's Rally
Denunciation of the assault committed by the American Servicemen
Demanding the reversion of the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement