THE GULF WAR: The Diplomatic Front : In Asia

The pledge by JAPAN of $9 billion more in aid for the U.S.-led Gulf War effort brought an angry response from Iraq’s ambassador to Tokyo, RASHID RIFAI. He said it makes Japan an enemy and warned Prime Minister TOSHIKI KAIFU that if he sends military planes to the Middle East to help repatriate war refugees, the aircraft will be shot down. Kaifu also faces opposition in Parliament. Public opinion is divided. A liberal businessman said he was shocked by bombing that recalled the Tokyo air raids during World War II. In contrast, a conservative legislator urged affluent young Japanese not to flaunt Hawaiian holidays while their U.S. contemporaries are fighting a war.