The sonar can detect underwater objects. Some objects are rocks, etc. which navigational charts will show. What the system is looking for are nuclear submarines. It simply detects the presence of some foreign object and this information is relayed directly to the Pentagon, which knows what is on the navigational charts and also where U.S. subs are located, so they will be able to ascertain whether the particular sub is American or not. I suggested that the Navy equip all Japanese commercial vessels with this system.
Japanese seamen are reliable and the Japanese merchant marine travels all the oceans and seas.
Japanese vessels, including our oil tankers, could gather information along vital cargo routes and the U.S. could analyze the information received from the Japanese ships. To my surprise, the Americans said that it was none of Japan's business. I asked that how, in light of the very limited number of U.S. ships, how can you deny the need for such assistance. I asked if it was appropriate to involve the British and the Germans, and they said it would be. The fact of the matter is that Americans do not trust Japan.