51.   In return, the United States had softened its stance on numerical targets on sales as a way of measuring progress in opening the spare parts and dealership markets.

52.   Instead of being dealt with in the government accord, the problem of numerical targets was addressed by private sector action.

53.   Japan says such numerical targets would violate free trade.

54.   Japan, however, balked at a U.S. demand for numerical targets and in December refused to extend the agreement.

55.   Japan had rejected the numerical targets as being equal to quotas and managed trade and says it can not force companies to buy American products.

56.   Japan said the inclusion of a numerical target was a mistake that the country would never repeat.

57.   Japan had insisted that any numerical targets would violate free trade.

58.   Japan had rejected the numerical targets as being equal to quotas and managed trade, and said it could not force companies to buy American products.

59.   Japan has objected to numerical targets, saying they are contrary to free trade principles.

60.   Japanese Trade Minister Hashimoto said the deal between the two governments excluded the specific numerical targets that Washington had demanded for measuring the increase in sales.