Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Japan, Volume XXIII, Part 1

117. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State¹

Tokyo, February 8, 1957—7 p.m.

1734. Erupting as front–page press subject and heated political issue is shooting incident at Camp Weir near Somagahara January 30, in which Japanese woman² gathering cartridge cases for scrap value was accidentally killed on firing range by American soldier.³ For preliminary report issued by US First Cavalry Division see AFFE message FM 639612 to DA.⁴ Investigation by US and Japanese authorities continuing, full facts of case not yet established. Meanwhile Socialists have seized on issue to add fuel to anti-base campaign, organizing local rallies, pushing Diet investigation charging “deliberate murder”, demanding GOJ take jurisdiction of case, protest occurrence and demand strong measures to prevent recurrence. Government in considerable difficulties as result. Press has carried variety of conflicting accounts, some highly sensational and claiming death not accidental. Editorial comment more restrained than Socialists, but shows strong concern. When expression of regret on part of local commander failed to stem rising tide of public reaction, Embassy believed it essential to make prompt additional expression of official regret, which would not compromise case but would stress understanding of human factors, essential in dealing with Japanese. We hoped with this letter to forestall initiative at this stage by GOJ. I therefore today gave Kishi letter in Embtel 1735,⁵ after consulting with FEC on text. He said that issue could gravely damage relations between two countries and that leftist elements were exploiting issue for this purpose. He said three principal issues would arise when facts had been fully established—jurisdiction, fair compensation and prevention of recurrence. He expressed appreciation for letter and with my concurrence released it to press. I agreed on potentially serious consequences and importance of handling issue so as to minimize adverse effects. I said that facts were not yet established and I had no instructions but wished to comment personally on jurisdiction issue. (We had had indications Justice Ministry, on basis info so far available, was advocating GOJ seek jurisdiction). While recognizing nature of problem facing GOJ, I pointed out dimensions of our own public opinion and political problems on such an issue. I expressed personal hope that, even if facts and circumstances should suggest possibility of Japanese jurisdiction, means would be found for GOJ to avoid attempting to exercise it. Kishi urged that no official comment be made on either side on such issues as jurisdiction until facts fully established and until there had been opportunity for consultation between two governments on best means of solving issue in interest of overall relations. I hope Department will do best to insure that there will be no premature speculation on, or prejudgment of, issues involved in case attributed in press to official sources. Line should be that it happened, that regret has been expressed, that investigation is being conducted and that until all facts available and fully studied, it is inappropriate to make any substantive comment.

Horsey

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56394/2–857. Official Use Only; Priority.
2. Mrs. Naka Sakai.
3. Specialist 3d Class William S. Girard.
4. Not found.
5. Also dated February 8. In the letter, Horsey expressed his personal distress over the death of Mrs. Sakai and stated his understanding that all information developed by the U.S. military inquiry into the matter would be shared with the Japanese authorities. He concluded: “On behalf of the United States Government, I would also like to express to you, and through you to the family of Mrs. Sakai, the most sincere sympathy and regrets over this tragic occurrence. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.56394/2–857)