THE GULF WAR: The International Front : In Asia: Funds Dispute

A growing squabble threatens to delay a decision on a JAPANESE PLEDGE OF $9 BILLION for the Gulf War and military planes to evacuate refugees stranded in the region. Opposition legislators boycotted Parliament’s morning session of debate on the issue but returned to demand that Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu’s government limit the $9 billion to non-lethal purposes. Opposition parties, which control the upper house of Parliament, charge that the aid could be used for military purposes in violation of Japan’s constitution. Kaifu has said the money would pay for food, medicine and transport, although government officials have maintained they cannot guarantee his promise.