DISADVANTAGE/PROLIFERATION

JAPAN SCENARIO: JAPAN WILL NOT PROLIFERATE

JAPAN IS NOT INVOLVED IN A LONG-TERM SECRET PLAN TO GET NUCLEAR WEAPONS

THE HINDU , August 11, 1999 HEADLINE: Japan's n-programme in focus // Inu-acs

Refuting many or all of the findings of the National Security News Service report and in the question-answer period, the Japanese Deputy Chief of Mission here, Mr. Hideyaki Kobayashi, argued that politicians in his country would face difficult times if they go against the views on the nuclear issue given the sentiments of the people. Japan, Mr. Kobayashi said, had never assumed the policy of securing nuclear weapons. He also rejected any sinister conspiracy theory doing the rounds. The Japanese envoy pointed out that in the last 10 years there had been nine Prime Ministers in Japan from four political parties. "Are all parties in this conspiracy?" he asked.