After 18 months of negotiations, the United States’ secretary of state and Japan’s foreign minister confirmed the decision, holding simultaneous t

1971: U.S. Pledges to Return Okinawa to Japan

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2021-06-18 16:00:04

After 18 months of negotiations, the United States’ secretary of state and Japan’s foreign minister confirmed the decision, holding simultaneous televised ceremonies linked by satellite relay.

TOKYO, June 17 (WP).— The United States formally pledged today to return Okinawa to Japan in a controversial agreement reaffirming the continued role of the island as the pivotal American base complex in the western Pacific.

Demonstrators protesting the military provisions of the accord snake-danced through the streets here while Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Foreign Minister Kiichi Aichi put the final seal on 18 months of delicate negotiations in simultaneous televised ceremonies linked by satellite relay.

Japanese officials made no secret of their irritation that President Nixon had decided against attending the White House signing ceremonies. The general belief here is that Mr. Nixon meant to convey continuing displeasure with Japanese trade policies.

[In the Washington ceremony, Mr. Rogers read a statement by Mr. Nixon saying both nations “have much to be proud of this day.”