The U.S. National Security Council States That Japan Would Accepted Nuclear Weapons on Visiting Warships

july 19, 1999
The U.S. National Security Council States That Japan Would Accepted Nuclear Weapons on Visiting Warships During the U.S.-Japanese negotiations about the reversion of Okinawa to Japan, a National Security Council study from April 1969 concluded that "Japan now acquiesces" in port visits by nuclear-armed warships. Despite the Japanese government's public assurances that no nuclear weapons would be allowed in Okinawa following reversion, "this right [to introduce nuclear weapons onboard warships] would extent automatically to Okinawa" following reversion. Obtained under the provisions of the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by the National Security Archive		FOIA Documents Source: Study, U.S. National Security Council, "NSSM 5 -- Japan," Part III: Okinawa Reversion, p. 25. GIF format (See below for description)

Full Text:

(4) Only Transit Rights for Nuclear Armed Planes and Ships

Japan now acquiesces in transit by naval vessels armed with nuclear weapons. This right would extend automatically to Okinawa. (This is sensitive and closely held information.)

Pro: Extension of this to planes transiting Okinawa would add flexibility to our operations in the area.

Con: Credibility of the deterrent would be lost.

Source: Study, U.S. National Security Council, "NSSM 5 -- Japan," Part III: Okinawa Reversion, p. 25. Secret. Attachment to Memo, Jeanne W. Davis, National Security Council, to Office of the Vice President, "Subject: U.S.-Japanese Relationship: Summary," April 29, 1969. Top Secret. Partially declassified and released under FOIA.

Return to top | FOIA Documents | Nautilus Digital Library | Security | Nautilus Home