With 1995 commemorating the 50th year since the end of the Battle of Okinawa, the long-term oppressive presence of U.S. military bases in Okinawa has become a critical issue for the entire Okinawan society. In accordance with the Japan-America Security Treaty, which grants the U.S. "use of facilities and areas in Japan," the United States military forces occupy 20% of the land area of Okinawa Island, in addition to having exclusive use of designated air and sea space for military training. This vast military presence greatly hinders the development of Okinawa and threatens the livelihood of Okinawan citizens.
Even after Allied occupation ended on the Japanese mainland in 1952, Okinawa remained under complete U.S. military administration for 20 years, until 1972, when the islands reverted to Japanese jurisdiction.
Private property requisitioned by the U.S. military to construct the vast military bases after the war is still held today, denying some 30,000 families the right to live on and utilize their own land. Military aircraft produce ear-splitting noise on a daily basis. Military drills endanger the lives of citizens and destroy the natural environment.
Since 1972, the date of Okinawa's reversion to Japan, U.S. military personnel have committed 4,716 crimes. These crimes, which include robbery, murder, and rape, imperil the fundamental human rights of the Okinawan people.
The September 4, 1995, rape of an elementary school girl by three American military personnel is not an extraordinary case. Structural violence is inherent in the enforced presence of the U.S. military in Okinawa. The residents of Okinawa living around the bases become the primary targets of this violence, with women and children being especially vulnerable.
This latest rape is only the spark igniting the Okinawans' anger over this and past crimes perpetuated upon them by the U.S. military. Okinawan citizens are demanding the reduction of U.S. military bases in Okinawa and also a reappraisal of the Status of Forces Agreement, the document that governs the presence of U.S. military personnel in Japan.
The Okinawa District of the United Church of Christ in Japan considers the militarization of Okinawa to be an issue that the church is called on to address in its mission of peacemaking. Following the resolution acted on by the Okinawa District Executive Committee of the United Church of Christ in Japan, a letter was sent to partner church members in North America, including The United Methodist Church, in the name of the moderator of the United Church of Christ in Japan. This letter appealed for support of Okinawan Christians, who feel that it is no longer possible to coexist with military bases and personnel.
In light of the above, this resolution requests the General Conference of The United Methodist Church to join with Okinawan Christians in urging the following four appeals to the governments of the United States and Japan:
1. A thorough investigation of all crimes and acts of violence committed by U.S. military personnel stationed on U.S. military bases in Okinawa and an apology and compensation to the victims of the crimes;
2. An immediate cessation of all military exercises that destroy the environment and threaten the daily life of Okinawa citizens;
3. An immediate review of the Japan-America Security Treaty (AMPO) and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which completely ignores the laws of Japan, imposing great hardship on the people of Okinawa;
4. Establishment of a peace not based on military power, and the removal of all U.S. military bases from Okinawa.
(These four appeals were directed to President Bill Clinton by the Okinawa District of the United Church of Christ in Japan.)
We submit this resolution to the General Conference of The United Methodist Church, as missionaries of The United Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries (World Division) assigned to the Untied Church of Christ in Japan, Okinawa District, with the full knowledge and support of the Okinawa District. Attached to this resolution are the signatures of other concerned United Methodists expressing their support of this resolution in the search for peace and justice in Okinawa.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22348-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference