[War] Japan: "Cable to Australia"

[Ian Martell]

"Cable to Australia"
Prime Minister Shunichi Sato
Japan
July 30 2014

To: Prime Minister Jack Decker, Commonwealth of Australia
From: Prime Minister Shunichi Sato, Japan

Mr. Prime Minister,

Firstly let me once again offer my sympathies for the lives lost in the 
Sydney Bombings, hopefully our successes in Azerbaijan will continue and it 
will not be long before justice is served.

However, while Caspian Sword occupies a great deal of our attention, I think 
we must not forget the problems that are closer to home. I speak of the 
radical Islam that exists in Southeast Asia. While it would be naïve to 
believe that these forces could overthrow the existing democratic 
governments in this region, they do pose a threat to the overall economic 
stability of the region and pose a threat to our own nations' security in 
light of our involvement in operations like Caspian Sword.

Here are some facts to consider:

-	During the last decade fully one-fifth of Al Qaeda's personnel were based 
in Asia.
-	After the death of Osama Bin Laden these fighters were absorbed into local 
groups like Jemaah Islamiah and Abu Sayyaf.
-	The majority of these fighters gained experience in Afghanistan and Iraq 
and have been passing their skills on new recruits.

These facts paint a dark picture for Southeast Asian stability and in 
particular for our interests in this region, as we provide a likely target 
to strike out against as major democratic US allies.

As such, this is what I propose:

-	Diplomatic pressure on governments in this region to step up enforcement, 
and providing these governments with the funds, technology and training to 
be equal to the task.
-	Australian participation in the Anti-Piracy task force which Japan has 
established to provide safe passage for ships passing through the Straights 
of Malacca and the surrounding areas.
-	Creation of a regional anti-narcotics task force, aimed at slowing the 
flow of drugs out of this region, the funds from which contribute to terror. 
Including looking at alternative methods of resolving this issue, including 
buying the raw crops directly from the growers for destruction.
-	An economic aid package aimed to help develop the countries in question 
which will reduce the appeal of radical Islam by providing opportunities and 
education.

It is my feeling and that of my government that if our two countries can 
work together in taking these first steps we can greatly reduce the impact 
of this problem in the coming years and ensure the stability of the region 
and make certain our interests and citizens remain safe. I hope you will 
consider it, if you find it acceptable, I suggest summit meeting between our 
top people and ourselves might be in order.

Sincerely,

Shunichi Sato
Prime Minister of Japan.