JAPAN FINDS NEW WHALING ALLY IN AUSTRALIA

Following an allegation by the Japanese ambassador to Canberra, Takaaki Kojima, that Sea Shepherd violated maritime laws when the anti-whaling group challenged the Japanese whaling fleet, the Australian Federal Police raided Sea Shepherd's vessel Steve Irwin. Australia was exposed recently for secretly trying to broker a deal between the US and Japan--one that would allow Japan to slaughter more whales along its coast for reducing hunting in the Antarctic. But the Australian Federal Police action against Sea Shepherd suggests a growing collusion with Japan and a stunning about face by Australia, until now anti-whaling cause's strongest ally.