Word: okinawa
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Even though sovereignty over Okinawa was restored to Japan two weeks ago, the Pacific island continues to be a sticking point in relations between the two countries. American military installations are to remain on the island for the indefinite future. The Japanese are now concerned that Okinawa could involve them, even indirectly...
...Steam? The most sanguine Administration assessment came from Spiro Agnew-not exactly a disinterested observer. After participating in Tokyo ceremonies that formally returned Okinawa to Japanese control, the Vice President paid a three-hour visit to Saigon. Back in Washington, he briefed President Nixon on his trip, then told newsmen that Nixon's actions had reduced Communist capabilities to "only a couple more months of activity." Added Agnew: "We're coming out of the woods...
...Okinawa (pop. 1,000,000), worshipers at a memorial service in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Naha, the island capital, will give thanks to the spirits of the dead for the return of sovereignty to the motherland. But there will probably not be a repetition of the dancing in the streets or displays of fireworks that accompanied the first reports in late 1969 that the U.S. was getting ready to return political control to Tokyo. Even though most Okinawans welcome the change, they have had time enough for uneasy second thoughts about their island...
...miles to kilometers, and eventually drivers will have to learn to use the left-hand side of the street. In what the Bank of Japan describes as the biggest shipment of money in history, a cargo of 54 billion yen (about $180 million) in bank notes and coins reached Okinawa secretly last month in preparation for a massive conversion of currency. The islanders are being permitted to exchange most of their U.S. money at the pre-revaluation rate of 360 yen to the dollar (v. 302 at the current rate...
...major problem for the Japanese is how to strengthen Okinawa's economy, which is still heavily dependent on U.S. military spending. To improve the island's unfavorable trade balance ($102 million in exports last year, v. $424 million in imports), the government has urged Japanese firms to open Okinawan branches. Most U.S. firms now on the island expect to remain. As an additional boost, the government plans to hold a huge International Ocean Exposition in 1975 and expects to spend about $1 billion on roads, buildings and other facilities that will continue to help the economy when...