There was a possibility that the negotiations would come to a deadlock if Japan did not pay.

Everything is a secret pact if it's under negotiation. After the United States disclosed the official documents, it was no longer a secret pact.

A payment of US$4 million was included in the overall payment of US$320 million to the United States which was agreed to in 1971.

It was the decision of then Prime Minister Eisaku Sato that Japan would pay (the $4 million) as long as Okinawa would be returned.

There is a growing view that insurers have had their run for the short term. Money is shifting to the laggards of the markets now, such as the technology companies.

The U.S. economy won't be able to avoid a slowdown given the damage from Hurricane Katrina on top of crude prices. This is an element of uncertainty in the market that's weighing on stocks.