Exchange of Notes concerning Modification of Annex 2 of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between Japan and the U.S.

July 29, 2004

On July 29 (Thu), Notes concerning the modification of Annex 2 of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between Japan and the U.S. amended by the "Agreement amending the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America concerning reciprocal provision of logistic support, supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the United States of America" (hereinafter referred to as "amended ACSA"), which entered into force today following the approval at the 159th session of the Diet, were exchanged between Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Howard H. Baker, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Japan, in Tokyo (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
The Notes exchanged today will add to the Annex 2 the relevant provisions of the SDF Law, which was approved in the 159th Diet session and took effect today. The amended SDF Law grants new authority to the SDF in providing supplies and services under the amended ACSA. The Notes will enable the SDF to provide supplies and services, in accordance with the procedure framework based on ACSA, to U.S. Forces engaged in disaster relief operations based on the Government of Japan's request, operations equivalent to transportation of Japanese overseas residents by the SDF, as well as training, liaison and coordination and other daily operations. As a result of the Exchange of Notes, mutual provision of supplies and services between the SDF and the U.S. Forces under ACSA will be facilitated.

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