Stephen G. Craft
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780813166353
- eISBN:
- 9780813166629
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813166353.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter explores the aftereffects of Black Friday throughout east Asia, where jurisdiction over troops, America's supposed superiority complex, and racism were controversial issues. From a U.S. ...
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This chapter explores the aftereffects of Black Friday throughout east Asia, where jurisdiction over troops, America's supposed superiority complex, and racism were controversial issues. From a U.S. standpoint, Black Friday had two negative impacts that could potentially threaten foreign alliances: the removal of diplomatic immunity from MAAG advisors and increased pressure to grant jurisdiction. The situation in Taiwan particularly highlighted the case of William Girard, a GI who was involved in the death of a Japanese civilian two months prior to the Reynolds incident. Unlike in Taiwan, Girard's case was assessed by a Joint Committee, but after word spread that Japan was granted jurisdiction, Americans became outraged and Dulles reconsidered his decision. When Black Friday occurred at this impasse, Japanese citizens wrote newspapers threatening action similar to the Reynolds riots. Jurisdiction was also questioned in the Phillipines, Korea, and Thailand, where relations with the U.S. deteriorated. Ultimately, the riots in Taiwan undercut Eisenhower's containment policy and raised questions about the Girard case, GI placement abroad, and existing SOFAs.Less
This chapter explores the aftereffects of Black Friday throughout east Asia, where jurisdiction over troops, America's supposed superiority complex, and racism were controversial issues. From a U.S. standpoint, Black Friday had two negative impacts that could potentially threaten foreign alliances: the removal of diplomatic immunity from MAAG advisors and increased pressure to grant jurisdiction. The situation in Taiwan particularly highlighted the case of William Girard, a GI who was involved in the death of a Japanese civilian two months prior to the Reynolds incident. Unlike in Taiwan, Girard's case was assessed by a Joint Committee, but after word spread that Japan was granted jurisdiction, Americans became outraged and Dulles reconsidered his decision. When Black Friday occurred at this impasse, Japanese citizens wrote newspapers threatening action similar to the Reynolds riots. Jurisdiction was also questioned in the Phillipines, Korea, and Thailand, where relations with the U.S. deteriorated. Ultimately, the riots in Taiwan undercut Eisenhower's containment policy and raised questions about the Girard case, GI placement abroad, and existing SOFAs.
Stephen G. Craft
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780813166353
- eISBN:
- 9780813166629
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813166353.003.0015
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter discusses how the Taiwan protests were a warning then and now of the dangers of putting U.S. soldiers that are immune to local justice into other countries. In the context of the Cold ...
More
This chapter discusses how the Taiwan protests were a warning then and now of the dangers of putting U.S. soldiers that are immune to local justice into other countries. In the context of the Cold War and decolonization in Asia, the reliance on thousands of advisors, as opposed to dozens, who were protected by diplomatic immunity or demanding exclusive jurisdiction for U.S. forces was a form of playing with political fire. Threat of court-martial aside, putting U.S. troops beyond local laws does not encourage soldiers to respect the laws of a host nation. Rather, it promotes a contrary lack of discipline and prejudice against locals. It also undermines America's culture and values, not only in solidifying allied support but in winning friends from other nations. If the United States does not want to face future backlashes like the Taiwan protests, it needs to give host nations more jurisdictional voice. Moreover, this chapter argues that if the United States remains committed to pursuing a policy of mutual security, it must show that it is committed to the cause of justice, for its soldiers and its allies alike.Less
This chapter discusses how the Taiwan protests were a warning then and now of the dangers of putting U.S. soldiers that are immune to local justice into other countries. In the context of the Cold War and decolonization in Asia, the reliance on thousands of advisors, as opposed to dozens, who were protected by diplomatic immunity or demanding exclusive jurisdiction for U.S. forces was a form of playing with political fire. Threat of court-martial aside, putting U.S. troops beyond local laws does not encourage soldiers to respect the laws of a host nation. Rather, it promotes a contrary lack of discipline and prejudice against locals. It also undermines America's culture and values, not only in solidifying allied support but in winning friends from other nations. If the United States does not want to face future backlashes like the Taiwan protests, it needs to give host nations more jurisdictional voice. Moreover, this chapter argues that if the United States remains committed to pursuing a policy of mutual security, it must show that it is committed to the cause of justice, for its soldiers and its allies alike.
