The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its two small non-Cabinet allies -- the Social Democratic Party and New Party Sakigake -- began discussions April 8 on bills covering new defense cooperation guidelines between Japan and the United States.

The LDP hopes to submit the bills, which were drafted by the Defense Agency and the Foreign Ministry, to the Diet by the end of this month. It may be difficult to do so, however, because its two allies, especially the SDP, remain concerned that the bills may lead to a violation of Japan's war-renouncing Constitution.

Contentious points include the process and criteria for defining "emergencies surrounding Japan" in which Japan can provide support to U.S. forces. During the meeting, members of the SDP and Sakigake demanded more clarification concerning the definition process.

The government says Japan's activities during "emergencies" will be based on a basic action plan to be approved by the Cabinet, and will not require Diet approval. But the SDP and Sakigake want Diet approval to place Self-Defense Forces activities under civilian control.

The SDP also demanded more clarification concerning the use of weapons to protect SDF members who conduct rescue operations for U.S. soldiers, inspect unidentified ships and help evacuate Japanese nationals overseas.

The bills' framework was drafted to accommodate bilateral agreements reached in September on revising the 1978 Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation. The revision outlines the kind of support Japan can provide the U.S. military during emergencies "in areas surrounding Japan," in addition to support during peacetime and in the event of armed attacks on Japan.

In emergencies, the guidelines call for cooperation in evacuating noncombatants, minesweeping, search-and-rescue operations for U.S. soldiers, rear-echelon logistical support and inspection of ships on the high seas to ensure enforcement of economic sanctions.