Book note

Paul Moorcraft, African Nemesis: War and Revolution in Southern Africa, 1945–2010. London: Brassey's. 1990 (Paperback 1994); 519 pages.     

Nobuko; Translator's note

Abstract

In October 1986 the foreign ministers of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) signed a Treaty of Mutual Respect, Friendship and Co-operation. Under the terms of this treaty the two countries have agreed not to threaten or use force against one another and not to cooperate with others in hostile or unlawful acts against each other or allow their territory to be used by others for such purposes. Provision is made also for consultation and negotiation in the event of any dispute. The treaty was hailed by President Suharto as “another milestone in the history of both countries,” while Papua New Guinea's prime minister, Paias Wingti, and foreign affairs secretary, Bill Dihm, said it would give direction for the future and inspire confidence in Papua New Guinea and its regional neighbors.     

A note on Beheiren

Abstract

It might be useful for Concerned Asian Scholars to be aware of what is probably the most active independent peace group in Japan — a country of peace groups. Like National Mobilization in this country, which it resembles in style and outlook, Beheiren (Japan “Peace for Vietnam!” Committee) emerged as a direct response to the American bombing of North Vietnam. Since its foundation on April 24, 1965, it has remained the only major group in Japan to focus its main energies on opposing the Vietnam War. This has meant publications (books, articles, newsletters — mostly in Japanese, but two fine booklets of translations of an Asahi series: Vietnam — A Voice from the Villages and The National Liberation Front by Honda Katsuichi), demonstrations, teachins, emissaries to Vietnam, international gatherings in Japan (among its guests have been David Dellinger, Ralph Featherstone, Jean-Paul Sartre, Howard Zinn, Joan Baez), anti-war ads in American newspapers, medicine to Hanoi, and, attracting the most international attention, assistance to American military men in Japan desiring to desert.