*EPF206 02/27/01
Transcript: U.S. Envoy Apologizes to Japan for Trawler Sinking
(Expresses America's regret to the Japanese people) (390)

Admiral William J. Fallon, who was appointed by President George Bush as special envoy to Japan, expressed U.S. "profound sorrow and regret" in Tokyo February 27 for the tragic loss of the Ehime Maru.

The Ehime Maru, a Japanese vessel, sank on February 9 when the Greenville, a U.S. Navy submarine that was conducting a resurfacing exercise, struck it. Nine Japanese students and crewmembers were lost.

Admiral Fallon is in Japan to deliver a letter of apology from President Bush and to update Japanese government officials and family representatives on the recovery efforts and the investigation into the cause of the accident.

Following is a transcript of Admiral Fallon's remarks, as delivered:

(begin transcript)

Remarks by Admiral William J. Fallon
Vice Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy
Special Envoy of the United States to Japan

February 27, 2001
Yokota Air Base
Tokyo, Japan

(As delivered)

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am here today as a Special Envoy of the United States Government to Japan.

I sincerely and humbly request -- on behalf of the United States Government, the United States Navy and the American people -- that the government and people of Japan accept our apology for the tragic loss of the Ehime Maru on February 9.

This evening, I will deliver a letter from President Bush to Prime Minister Mori. This letter expresses our nation's apologies and regret to the Japanese people.

My mission is to update government officials and family representatives on the recovery efforts and the investigation into the cause of this tragic accident, and to answer any questions they may have.

My presence here today, as the special representative of President Bush, underscores the great importance the American people place on our relationship with Japan, and on our friendship with the Japanese people.

I know my words cannot express the profound sorrow and regret that the American people feel over this tragic event. By coming from Washington to be here in person, I seek not only to apologize, but also to promote better understanding between the people of our two nations.

(end transcript)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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