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Tight restrictions put on Okinawa Marines

TOKYO — The military imposed tight restrictions on all servicemen in Okinawa on Wednesday, limiting troops to bases, places of work or off-base housing amid a furor over the arrest of a Marine on suspicion of rape.

The restrictions, which go beyond a midnight curfew already in place for enlisted Marines on the southern Japanese island, started early Wednesday and were indefinite, U.S. Forces Japan officials said.

The order, which also included all the 18,000 Marines based in Japan, was issued as a string of crimes blamed on American servicemen — rape, drunk driving and other allegations — has stoked antimilitary sentiment.

“This period of reflection will allow commanders and all service members an opportunity to further review procedures and orders that govern the discipline and conduct of all U.S. service members serving in Okinawa,” a U.S. military statement read.

Most damaging to the U.S. military’s image in Japan was the arrest last week of 38-year-old Staff Sgt. Tyrone Luther Hadnott in the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in Okinawa. The arrest sparked outrage in Japan, which hosts some 50,000 U.S. troops under a security treaty.

Hadnott admitted to investigators that he forced the girl down and kissed her, but said he did not rape her, police said.

The tensions have been compounded in recent days by allegations of additional less serious crimes by American troops, such as drunk driving and trespassing. Japanese leaders have deplored the behavior and accused the U.S. military of lax discipline.

The Japanese government welcomed the bolstered restrictions.

“Japan plans to have close consulations with the U.S. for appropriate prevention measures over the mid- and long-term to be taken by the U.S. side,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The new restriction bans military personnel from leaving their bases except for official business, work, worship or travel to and from off-base housing. It applies to all branches of the military in Okinawa, and the Marines throughout the country. Military families and military-linked, expatriate civilians were also included.

Okinawa is considered a linchpin in U.S. military posture in Asia, and Washington is eager to quell rising sentiment against American troops. U.S. Ambassador Thomas Schieffer, for instance, traveled to Okinawa last week to express his sadness over the alleged rape.

Okinawa was the site of one of the most ferocious battles of World War II, and the island chain was not returned to Japan until 1972, some 20 years after the end of the U.S. occupation of the rest of the country. Today it hosts most of the American troops in Japan.

Okinawans have complained about crime, crowding and noise brought by the troops for many years. Protests in the 1990s forced the closing of a Marine air station, and now a plan to build a new airstrip on the island has stirred persistent opposition.

Over the past week, Okinawan lawmakers have passed resolutions demanding tighter discipline among American troops, and groups have held several protests. In the latest demonstration, some 300 people held a meeting on Tuesday in the town where the rape is alleged to happened.

The Hadnott case has prompted comparisons with the 1995 rape of a 12-year-old Okinawan girl by three U.S. servicemen. That attack triggered massive protests against the American military, and the three were convicted and sentenced to prison.

Military officials said they hoped the restrictions would encourage better behavior by troops.

“The intent is to just inconvenience people,” said Col. Eric Schnaible, spokesman for U.S. forces. “Hopefully ... people will realize, you know, ‘Got it, and we will behave as we should.”’

On Tuesday, the U.S. military, which launched a review of anti-sexual assault guidelines following Hadnott’s arrest, said it had designated Friday as a “day of reflection” to urge troops to adhere to ideals of professionalism.

“USFJ has generated recommendations and reached a mutual agreement that all USFJ components will take additional actions to further reinforce and encourage the already high standards of professionalism among US Forces serving in Japan,” the military said in a separate statement on Tuesday.