Cablegate: Invitation to President Bush to Speak at 2008

VZCZCXYZ0008
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKO #0679 0730844
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 130844Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2540
INFO RHMFIUU/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHDC PRIORITY

UNCLAS TOKYO 000679

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT PASS OSTP FOR JOAN ROLF
DHS FOR S&T DIRECTORATE - LILIA RAMIREZ

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TSPL PREL JA
SUBJECT: INVITATION TO PRESIDENT BUSH TO SPEAK AT 2008
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY FORUM

REF: 07 TOKYO 3912

1. This cable contains an action request in para 3.

2. Former Japanese Finance Minister Koji Omi asked the
Ambassador to pass a letter to President Bush inviting him to
be a keynote speaker at the Science and Technology in Society
(STS) forum October 5 to 7, 2008. The Ambassador agreed to
convey the message to the President, but was unsure the
President would be able to make a third trip to Asia in such
a short time following his trips to Japan for the G8 and
China for the Olympics. He told Omi DHS Under Secretary for
Science and Technology, Admiral Jay Cohen, has said he will
attend the Forum this year in addition to STAS Fedoroff. He
added the USG realizes the value of the conference in
promoting science and technological innovation such as
biotech and wants to have representation at the highest
levels. Omi said he hoped the President would speak at the
opening session of the Forum, along with Japanese Prime
Minister Fukuda and perhaps others. (Note: Post emailed an
electronic copy of the letter to EAP/J and OSTP with original
to follow by pouch. End note.)

3. Begin letter text:

Tokyo,

His Excellency Mr. George W. Bush
The President
The White House

My dear Mr. President:

It is my great pleasure to invite you as our keynote speaker
at the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in
Society forum, to be held from October 5 through 7, 2008, in
Kyoto, Japan, under the overall theme of: "Lights and Shadows
of Science and Technology."

While the progress of science and technolgoy and their
applications are bringing prosperity and high quality of life
to humankind, it also raises important questions on
environmental, safety and ethical issues. Our Board and
Council join me in sincerely hoping that you would be able to
address this distinguished group of policy makers, scientists
and academics, business and opinion leaders from around the
world in order to discuss the problems of science and
technolgoy and their application from the viewpoint of the
long future of humankind.

We have been receiving very enthusiastic support to this
initiative, which would, indeed be blessed with unparalleled
success, should you agree to be our keynote speaker for 2008.

Looking very much forward to welcoming you to Kyoto this year,

Respectfully yours,

//s//

Koji Omi
Founder and Chairman, Science and Technology in Society forum
Member, House of Representatives
Former Minister of Finance of Japan

End text.
SCHIEFFER

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