October 3 2001

All Japan Dockworkers’ Union
The second Central Executive Committee meeting

Resolution to denounce terrorism and to fight against retaliation by force

On September 11, more than 6000 people died in a synchronized attack to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by hijacked airplanes. We express our condolence to all the victims and sternly denounce this act of terrorism depriving so many citizens’ lives.

President Bush is forcing the world to choose the USA or terrorism and is preparing for a military retaliation to the suspect and its supporters. But the background of this terrorist attack seems to be the Palestine - Israel issue and the self-centered approach of the US to the Islamic world. No one has the right to kill people, whether in a war or by an indiscriminate act of terrorism. The vicious circle of terrorism and retaliation only leads to more civilian victims, new hatred and further act of terrorism, but no solution. We are against all retaliatory wars. What is needed is investigation by the judiciary and disclosing of the facts. We also have to endeavor for the achievement of a humane security, free from poverty, illness and discrimination.

The Koizumi Government fully supports the US military retaliation and has announced its seven point immediate measures including,

1. Dispatching Self Defense Forces troops to provide logistical support to the US troops by offering medical care, transportation and provision of supplies.
2. Guarding of US military bases in Japan and other important facilities by the SDF.
3. Sending SDF ships to gather intelligence.
4. Dispatching SDF troops to provide humanitarian assistance for refugees.

But these measures are an escalation of the Emergency-at-periphery Law, which is already a violation of the Constitution and will lead to the dispatch of the SDF troops and the exercise of the right of collective defense, both of which are prohibited by the Constitution.

Japan has a pacifist Constitution stipulating,“ The Japanese people forever renounce the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. “ Even if it is a rear-guard logistic support, transportation of military supplies is a military action. As workers in the dock and transport industry, we have opposed corporation to war and have fought against the Peace Keeping Operation Law and the Emergency-at-periphery Law. We seek solidarity with the peace loving people, oppose military retaliation and will fight against the passage of the bill to support US forces and Security Operation Registration.