Honorable Enemies

Chapter 41

Genshiro Koyama felt light-headed and feared that he might be on the verge of having a major stroke. Small black dots drifted to and fro in his field of vision and his balance was strangely off center. You bastard, he thought as he studied the American President. When your country is bankrupt and the remnants of your carrier battle groups are rusting in storage, Japan will own America.

"Prime Minister Koyama," the President went on with a renewed determination not to taunt the highly respected Japanese leader. "In the best interest of both of our countries and our combined allies and trading partners, we want to help make Japan's military strong enough to be a deterrent to would-be aggressors, yet not a threat to the global balance of power."

Koyama was only half listening to the man he considered to be an incompetent, dangerous fool. The Prime Minister firmly believed that the American President had developed a loud, irritating bark to offset his rubber teeth.

"We are going to increase our protective commitment," the President continued in a calm, relaxed manner, "to ensure that Japan has adequate U. S. military support in Southeast Asia."

Koyama finally found his voice. "I'm afraid you're deluding yourself about making the decisions on how large Japan's military forces are going to be."

The heavy mood, combined with the opposing personalities and tough talk, were threatening to shatter the fragile alliance of the former bitter enemies.

"I wouldn't have made the statement," the President said emphatically, "if I had any doubt about the outcome of the policy I intend to pursue."

The irascible Japanese politician scowled with anger and gave himself time to think. His contempt was further aroused by his indignation at losing face, and the American detected the emotion.

"Japan regained its independence in 1952," Koyama growled, "and we will decide what is in the best interest of our country and military."

The President struggled to hold himself in check. "Prime Minister Koyama, you're going out on a dangerous limb, and it's not all that strong."

Koyama bolted forward in his chair and flared his nostrils. "The days of dancing to the whims of the White House are over," the ruffled Prime Minister spat venomously, "and you better get used to it."

Now it was time for the American to measure his words before he opened his mouth.

"What we're going to have to get used to," the President responded evenly, "is helping each other through difficult times and agreeing to what is in the best interest of the whole world — not just Japan or the United States."

"We will not be dictated to by America," Koyama replied in a low voice, "or by anyone else, for that matter."

"The facts may be distasteful," the President conceded in a voice laced with canned sadness, "but Japan has had a taste of sobriety — a taste of reality, if you will — from the boom days of the eighties to the difficult days of the nineties."

The President fixed Koyama in his stare. "There are certain steps we must take to ease the concerns of our neighbors, and one of the first tasks is a realignment of the Japanese military structure."

The Prime Minister coldly returned the unblinking stare and leaned toward the man who was causing him a great deal of mental anguish and personal humiliation. "We will not reduce our military forces to suit the U. S., and I am not going to discuss the issue."

With his decision announced, Koyama leaned back and shifted in his chair.

Cocking his head to the side, the President gazed at the distant mountains and turned to Koyama. "There isn't an option available to Japan, and I'm confident that the United Nations and world opinion will be on our side.

"As partners," he continued, "we can reduce your active military in an orderly fashion and store much of the inventory to be used as replacements in the future."

The President peacefully folded his hands. "Or we can do it for you… by whatever means are necessary. It's your choice."

The years of Genshiro Koyama's deep-seated antagonism toward America boiled to the surface and overflowed. With fire in his eyes, he fought to control his emotions and keep his anger to himself while he considered the future.

"Ultimately," the Prime Minister spat, "we will prevail — and America will answer to Japan."