U.S. Ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer told Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on March 2 that the U.S. military will continue its investigation into the alleged rape of a local junior high school girl by a U.S. Marine in February in Okinawa Prefecture.

The message was conveyed to Fukuda a day after Japanese prosecutors released the marine, Japanese government officials said, adding that Fukuda expressed his appreciation.

Staff Sgt. Tyrone Hadnott, 38, was arrested Feb. 11. He was released to U.S. base authorities Feb. 29 after his accuser dropped all charges against him.

Schieffer was quoted as telling Fukuda that the investigation will keep going despite Hadnott's release. Fukuda and Schieffer also confirmed that the two countries will cooperate to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.