5.15 memo


	Title: Tutorial -5.15 note a hidden agreement-
	Contents:

Exercise by loaded shell

Credit: Okinawa Prefectural Government

On March, 1973, the U.S. Military completely blocked off Route 104 and exercised with loaded shells for the first time after the reversion. Okinawa Prefecture protested and requested suspension, but the U.S. Military ignored it. They explained informally that they agreed with the Japanese Government that it was agreed that Route 104 could be used by the residents as long as it wouldn't interfere with the U.S. Military's activities.
Only that time, Residents in Okinawa learned about the existance of this agreement. This agreement is called 5.15 note because it was signed on May 15, 1972. Later, it was pointed out that this should be made public, but the government argued this agreement was secret and didn't announce it.
What was made public was the fact that there was an agreement which admitted the priority of the U.S. Military over Okinawa people, which left the residents only with anxiety. Later, Okinawa prefecture was to request again that the agreement should be made public.

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