Rightists held on eve of Teng trip

Press, 23 October 1978, Page 7

Rightists held on eve of Teng trip

NZPA-Reuter Tokyo Two Ultra-Rightists opposing the recently signed SinoJapanese peace and friendship treaty have been taken into custody near the home of the Japanese foreign minister (Mr Sunao Sonoda). A Rightist identified as Masaki Kimoto, aged 27. a member of the Bokyo Tei-shin-Tai (Anti-Communist Volunteer Corps) carrying a knife and a protest letter injured a policeman when he was questioned by policemen on the road in front of Mr Sonoda’s home, according to the police. Another Rightist, identified as Masoto Takagi, aged 28, burned an insecticide on a road near Mr Sonoda’s home, and he was taken into custody for questioning. The incidents occurred on the eve o’f the arrival in Tokyo of the Chinese VicePremier (Mr Teng HsiaoPing) to witness the exchange of instruments of ratification of the treaty during an eight-day official visit.

Four Rightists have been taken into police custody in connection with Mr Teng's visit. A Rightist identified as Akio Hirasawa, aged 28, a member of the Japan Renovation Party, attempted to commit ritual suicide in front of the Prime Minister’s official residence on Saturday in protest against the treaty. He suffered, stomach injuries. On the previous day, another Rightist was arrested when he tried in vain to enter a site where a new Chinese embassy building is under construction.