brutal reprisal, and fervently hoped the authorities in the National Police Agency would soon track down the culprits of the grisly mass murder.
"I have been authorized," Ambassador Hagura continued with genuine compassion, "to offer a sizable amount of financial compensation to the families of the victims."
The President darted a look at his longtime friend. Tidwell gave him a slight nod. Hagura was going out on a diplomatic limb. If the tender was rejected, Koji Hagura would lose face and the refusal would further arouse resentment between the two feuding governments.
"Secretary Tidwell," the President advised gracefully while he fixed them with a stare, "will be happy to assist you in any way he can."
Before Hagura could respond, the President continued in a pleasant manner, sensing the suffering of the two men. "I know this is a painful time for all of us, but I need to discuss a few items unrelated to terrorist activities."
Seasoned diplomatic veterans, Hagura and Isoroku steeled themselves and mentally reviewed their standard replies to the standard complaints from the Americans.
"We have become concerned," the President said firmly, "about the insidious and continuing deterioration in the relationship between our countries."
He paused to allow time for the two diplomats to adjust to the sudden change in topics.
"We admire your efforts toward self-sufficiency," the President admitted with just the right amount of enthusiasm, "but the continued expansionism in the areas of strategic industries, especially nuclear, aerospace, and particularly the area of conventional weapons, has become alarming."
The President knew that many countries, including some U . S . allies, were deeply distressed by the ever-growing Japanese Self-Defense Force, known as Jieitai. Many U . S . military leaders, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, regarded Japan as a mushrooming military power.
"Mr. President," Hagura said dryly while he attempted to keep his neck muscles from tightening, "strategic endeavors and military matters are not my area of expertise."
The President allowed a tiny grin to cross his face, then demonstrated some of his finely honed political skills.
"Ambassador Hagura"--he smiled, revealing his even white teeth--"I'm a straightforward guy who likes to cut through the obscurations. I like everyone to just throw it on the table, out in the open, so we can discuss our problems until we reach an agreement, then implement the plan and stick to our decision."
The President had his prey cornered. "Don't you think that's the best way to iron out our differences?"
Hagura. maintained his composure and simultaneously nodded his head and lowered his eyelids. He was aware of the American's reputation for coming across as a simple, down-home country boy and then nailing his adversaries to the wall. The intelligent, well-educated President was a formidable challenge, and Hagura was always on guard.
"We've had all kinds of meetings, assemblies, come-togethers, diplomatic exchanges, and days and weeks and months of endless discussions," the President declared and slowed his delivery. "And we're still not out of the starting blocks."
The Ambassador cleared his throat. "I assure you that our government would be pleased to open channels of communication if you wish to address certain specifics."
Concealing his frustration, the President caught Tidwell's look of concern. "Ambassador Hagura, since you're the direct link to Tokyo, how about arranging a personal meeting between the Prime Minister and myself--say in Lake Tahoe, or here if he so desires--in ten to twenty days? I know it's short notice, and I know your country has major political changes taking place, but I believe you would agree that time is of the essence."
Hagura and Isoroku were clearly uncomfortable with the suddenness of the suggestion.
The new Prime Minister didn't like the American President, and he had made that point crystal clear in front of Japan's
"I have been authorized," Ambassador Hagura continued with genuine compassion, "to offer a sizable amount of financial compensation to the families of the victims."
The President darted a look at his longtime friend. Tidwell gave him a slight nod. Hagura was going out on a diplomatic limb. If the tender was rejected, Koji Hagura would lose face and the refusal would further arouse resentment between the two feuding governments.
"Secretary Tidwell," the President advised gracefully while he fixed them with a stare, "will be happy to assist you in any way he can."
Before Hagura could respond, the President continued in a pleasant manner, sensing the suffering of the two men. "I know this is a painful time for all of us, but I need to discuss a few items unrelated to terrorist activities."
Seasoned diplomatic veterans, Hagura and Isoroku steeled themselves and mentally reviewed their standard replies to the standard complaints from the Americans.
"We have become concerned," the President said firmly, "about the insidious and continuing deterioration in the relationship between our countries."
He paused to allow time for the two diplomats to adjust to the sudden change in topics.
"We admire your efforts toward self-sufficiency," the President admitted with just the right amount of enthusiasm, "but the continued expansionism in the areas of strategic industries, especially nuclear, aerospace, and particularly the area of conventional weapons, has become alarming."
The President knew that many countries, including some U . S . allies, were deeply distressed by the ever-growing Japanese Self-Defense Force, known as Jieitai. Many U . S . military leaders, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, regarded Japan as a mushrooming military power.
"Mr. President," Hagura said dryly while he attempted to keep his neck muscles from tightening, "strategic endeavors and military matters are not my area of expertise."
The President allowed a tiny grin to cross his face, then demonstrated some of his finely honed political skills.
"Ambassador Hagura"--he smiled, revealing his even white teeth--"I'm a straightforward guy who likes to cut through the obscurations. I like everyone to just throw it on the table, out in the open, so we can discuss our problems until we reach an agreement, then implement the plan and stick to our decision."
The President had his prey cornered. "Don't you think that's the best way to iron out our differences?"
Hagura. maintained his composure and simultaneously nodded his head and lowered his eyelids. He was aware of the American's reputation for coming across as a simple, down-home country boy and then nailing his adversaries to the wall. The intelligent, well-educated President was a formidable challenge, and Hagura was always on guard.
"We've had all kinds of meetings, assemblies, come-togethers, diplomatic exchanges, and days and weeks and months of endless discussions," the President declared and slowed his delivery. "And we're still not out of the starting blocks."
The Ambassador cleared his throat. "I assure you that our government would be pleased to open channels of communication if you wish to address certain specifics."
Concealing his frustration, the President caught Tidwell's look of concern. "Ambassador Hagura, since you're the direct link to Tokyo, how about arranging a personal meeting between the Prime Minister and myself--say in Lake Tahoe, or here if he so desires--in ten to twenty days? I know it's short notice, and I know your country has major political changes taking place, but I believe you would agree that time is of the essence."
Hagura and Isoroku were clearly uncomfortable with the suddenness of the suggestion.
The new Prime Minister didn't like the American President, and he had made that point crystal clear in front of Japan's
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