Cablegate: Demarche Request: U.S. Grain Exports to Japan

VZCZCXYZ0005
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #1209 2662125
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 222122Z SEP 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 5999

UNCLAS STATE 101209

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ETRD JA
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE REQUEST: U.S. GRAIN EXPORTS TO JAPAN

1. This is an action request. Please see para 2.

2. In response to developments in Japan on the tainted rice
scandal and subsequent cancellations of tenders for rice and
wheat, Embassy Tokyo is requested to deliver a demarche to
relevant Japanese ministries emphasizing the following points
and report back the results by September 23, 2008:

-- Incumbent on Japan to ensure that illegal resale of
"incident rice" should not be allowed to affect imports of
U.S. rice and other grains. The USG therefore looks to Japan
to take all necessary measures to prevent imports from the
United States from being impeded, including by:

-- 1) Proactively making clear in its public statements and
through other opportunities that this issue is in no way
caused by U.S. rice producers; emphasize the safety of U.S.
rice and other grains.

-- 2) Restarting rice and other grain tenders in the very
near-term, remaining mindful of Japan's obligations to meet
its WTO minimum market access obligations for FY2008.

3. (U) Please include the SIPDIS caption in all replies and
slug for STATE: ALEXANDER T. BRYAN AND ANN RYAN; USDA: JESS
PAULSON, and USTR: ERIC HOLLOWAY. Please contact Alexander
T. Bryan (202-736-7233; BryanAT@state.sgov.gov) with any
questions.
RICE

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