Press Conference by Press Sec. 14 April 1995

1. Attendance of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono at the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
2. Remarks regarding atomic bombing
3. Ongoing auto and auto parts trade negotiations with the United States of America

1. Attendance of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono at the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

   Acting Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ken Shimanouchi: Good afternoon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono will visit New York from 17 to 20 April to attend the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). During his stay in New York, Foreign Minister Kono will make a general statement representing the Government of Japan at the Conference, and, taking this opportunity when foreign ministers gather together, he will also have bilateral talks with his counterparts from major countries.

2. Remarks regarding atomic bombing

   Q: I have two questions. One is about President Clinton's remark the other day that there is no apology to Japan for dropping the atomic bomb. There has been a report in the papers that, when Foreign Minister Kono goes to New York, he might make a remark about this -- bring this up again, so as to discuss this problem. Would there be any chance that he would bring this up again?

   A: With regard to the possible meeting with Secretary of State Warren Christopher of the United States of America, the Japanese side and the United States side are still coordinating their schedules, and the meeting has not been fixed yet. With regard to what will be discussed in the meeting, I am not in a position to comment on that, since Foreign Minister Kono himself is now considering what points to raise in the meeting.

   Q: So the meeting between Secretary Christopher and Foreign Minister Kono has not been decided yet?

   A: Not yet.

3. Ongoing auto and auto parts trade negotiations with the United States of America

   Q: My other question is regarding a report that the United States Government might take punitive action against Japan if the current auto talks don't make any progress. What is the reaction of the Government of Japan toward this?

   A: I am not aware of any announcement by the United States Government regarding punitive action against Japan on this matter of autos and auto parts. We are aware of the statement made by the White House Spokesman to the effect that, should negotiations fail, other options would have to be considered. However, it is our understanding that the talks on autos and auto parts now taking place in Washington, D.C. -- the series of talks -- is not being held in the context of the Super 301 Clause, and that they are part of the Framework Talks. This understanding is shared by the United States side, and we think it is important for both sides to make utmost efforts to reach an agreement based on the understanding that the consultations will be limited to matters within Government reach.

   Q: I read somewhere a report that Japan might bring an unfair trade complaint against the United States before the World Trade Organization (WTO). Should the United States --

   A: Regarding autos? The negotiations are ongoing right now, and I think both sides, at this stage, should make maximum efforts to reach agreement on this matter. It is too premature to discuss the course of action that Japan will take should the talks fail.