Charles Robert Jenkins

Jenkins is being treated at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital in Shinjuku Ward.

Government sources had hinted that Jenkins was seriously ill and might need an operation. But the hospital said the possibility of a grave disease is "extremely small."

On July 27, Jenkins met government officials and expressed his intentions to meet a U.S. military defense lawyer to seek ways to settle U.S. charges against him, including desertion, government sources said.

The 64-year-old former sergeant is expected to discuss with the U.S. military individual defense counsel for courts-martial the possibility of seeking a plea bargain to resolve the issue.

The U.S. charges against Jenkins also include aiding the enemy, encouraging disloyalty and soliciting other service members to desert.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 31, 2004
(C) All rights reserved