Exchange of notes concerning supplies and services contributed to the armed forces or other similar entities of France, Pakistan, the UK and the US, under the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law

February 12, 2008

On February 5 (Tue), notes concerning the replenishment of vessels engaged in duties related to counter-terrorism maritime interdiction activities based on the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law were signed and exchanged between Japan and the countries to be refueled: Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France. The signatories were: Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kamran Niaz, Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan, Sir Graham Holbrook Fry KCMG, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Japan, Mr. Joseph R. Donovan, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy who signed for Ambassador John Thomas Schieffer, and Mr. Christophe Penot, French Charge d’Affaires to Japan. A ceremony for the exchange of the signed notes was held with the attendance of Mr. Itsunori Onodera, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Kamran Niaz, Mr. Penot, Mr. Donovan, and Mr. Gareth Derrick, Military Attaché of the British Embassy.
The notes exchanged describe the purpose of the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law, and stipulate that the use of supplies and services contributed by Japan to those countries in accordance with the law above shall be consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and the supplies and services contributed shall not be transferred to a third party without the prior consent of the Government of Japan, and that the relevant Governments will consult with each other for the purpose of effective implementation of the present arrangements.
The Government of Japan plans to exchange notes with other countries concerned as soon as reaching an agreement on the text of the notes.

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