[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 12, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMERCE, STATE, JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Smith 
amendment allowing American veterans--our U.S. citizens--who were used 
as slave laborers in Japan during WWII to have their day in court.
  I appreciate the sensitive nature of this issue. Just prior to the 
recess, I received correspondence from my dear friend and former 
Secretary of State, George Schultz. He outlined the provisions of 
article 14 of the 1951 peace treaty with Japan which seemingly settles 
the question of restitution for the former POWs. His letter, quite 
properly, has been referred to in order to address this issue. I must, 
however, respectfully disagree with my valued friend and adviser.
  I believe we must look at the entire treaty. Article 26 contains a 
provision which states that if Japan enters into any future treaties 
with other countries providing better terms than those extended to the 
United States, then those more favorable terms will be extended to the 
United States as well. It is my understanding that several other 
countries such as Sweden and Denmark have received such terms.
  I have listened closely to my esteemed colleague from Hawaii speak on 
this subject, and I recognize our duty to honor our treaties. However, 
we must be sure to look at the entire treaty and honor our obligations 
to our veterans who survived under such horrible conditions.
  I have been contacted by a significant number of veterans from my 
State, and I feel duty-bound to let them have their day in court. I ask 
my colleagues to consider their views and the entire treaty when making 
their vote.

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