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意見 >>> その他の文書 |
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| February 8, 2018 |
We Strongly Protest against the Nuclear Posture Review by the Trump
Administration and Demand its Withdrawal! |
Rumi Hanagaki: Chair of Kyoto Society of
Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Sufferers Organization
Nobuyuki Taira: Chair of Kyoto Association of
the 2nd and 3rd Generation of Atomic Bomb Sufferers |
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The Trump administration published the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) on February 2nd. The content shows that the United States of America is trying to strengthen her influence in the world by intensifying nuclear weapons more. This is totally against the demands of the majority of people who look for the abolition of nuclear weapons in the world. We can never accept such a dangerous act of barbarity that would lead to the destruction of human beings.
The first characteristic of the NPR is that it aims at miniaturization of nuclear warheads and the development of new types of cruise missiles launched from the ocean. This is clearly a policy to strengthen nuclear weapons, which leads to a nightmare of nuclear arms race in the world again.
Secondly, it strongly implies that the United States maintains the nuclear strategy triad consisting of submarines (SSBNs) armed with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM); land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM); and strategic bombers carrying gravity bombs and air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs). It also strongly suggests the promotion of modernizing nuclear weapons more.
Thirdly, the US declared that even when strategic non-nuclear weapons, meaning conventional weapons, seriously attack the US and allied countries, it would not prevent the US from considering the use of nuclear weapons. This means easing restrictions on the use of nuclear weapons and not minding facing the danger of having nuclear war.
Fourthly, it was declared in the former NPR that nuclear tests would not be conducted. However, it is said in the new NPR that nuclear tests could be conducted again if necessary. This means the change of policy without considering effects and damage by nuclear tests.
Fifthly, the NPR openly shows hostility and vigilance against the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty adopted by the United Nations and even the attitude contrary to the duty of disarmament in the NPT. This means keeping a tight hold on the theory of nuclear deterrence and oppressing other countries in the world by power and the threat of nuclear weapons.
In general the NPR boldly relaxed the restrictions on using nuclear weapons, expanding choices of nuclear attacks by developing various types of nuclear weapons, and trying to create the posture of attacking other countries by nuclear weapons that are easier to use.
An overwhelming majority of countries (122 nations) adopted the first international treaty banning nuclear weapons on July 7 in 2017 at the United Nations headquarters. Over 200 NGOs also participated in the conference and the citizens’ movement greatly contributed to the adoption of the treaty. Such a great achievement was celebrated: the ICAN was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize hoping the total abolition of nuclear weapons by implementing the Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons as soon as possible. This shows the public opinion in the world. This is the great principle of humanity that the majority of people in the world expect.
The NPR by the Trump administration is a clear confrontation of such a course and people’s call for peace.
We strongly protest against the American government and demand its withdrawal of the NPR announced on February 2nd.
We firmly demand that all nuclear powers including the United States and nuclear umbrella states should seriously respond to the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty and sign it.
The tense situation in the North East Asia would be fundamentally saved for the first time if the U.S., an overwhelming nuclear power, would make clear that it will abandon and abolish nuclear weapons.
The Japanese government expressed that Japan highly evaluated the NPR by the Trump administration when it was announced. This is an astonishing statement by Japan, the first victim country of nuclear weapons in human history. It contradicts Japans’ promise to appeal to other countries to abolish nuclear weapons.
We, hibakushas and their descendants, strongly protest against such a foolish attitude of the Japanese government with sorrow.
The Japanese government should impinge on the United States, the only country that used nuclear weapons in the world, so that the NPR will be withdrawn. We strongly hope that the Japanese government will become right-minded for peace.
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