US envoy apologises to Japan

Admiral Fallon bowed his apology to Mr Mori

The US vice chief of naval operations asked Japan on Tuesday to accept America's apology for the sinking of a Japanese fishing vessel, in an attempt to calm tensions between the two countries.

It is my intention to use every opportunity while in Japan to convey the sincere apologies of the president of the United States and the Navy and all American citizens

Admiral William Fallon

Admiral William Fallon delivered a letter from President George W Bush to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.

Despite repeated expressions of regret over the accident by US officials, the silence of the commander of the US submarine which sank the Japanese trawler has left many in Japan unhappy.

Commander Scott Waddle expressed his "most sincere regret" for the accident, but stopped short of an apology.

Importance

"It is my intention to use every opportunity while in Japan to convey the sincere apologies of the president of the United States and the Navy and all American citizens," said Admiral Fallon after meeting Mr Mori.

Relatives want to know why the accident happened

Many of the relatives of the missing have demanded a direct apology. Admiral Fallon's visit is considered an attempt to assuage their anger.

Admiral Fallon will meet relatives on Wednesday at the residence of the US ambassador.

President Bush's decision to send a special envoy reflects the importance Washington places on its security alliance with Japan, which hosts about 50,000 US troops.

Investigation

Commander Waddle: No apology

Relations between the two giant allies have been strained by the tragedy that left nine missing and presumed dead, after the USS Greeneville rammed the Ehime Maru while demonstrating an emergency ascent manoeuvre to a group of civilian visitors.

Washington has launched a full investigation amid allegations that the civilians on board the Greeneville distracted the crew.

Two civilians were at control positions aboard the submarine USS Greeneville at the time of the accident, although the US Navy says the civilians did not cause it.

US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has called a ban on civilians taking the controls of all US military vehicles, ships, and aircraft.