Specifically, it was a mistake to ask Tokyo to send minesweepers.

The French statement emphasized that there was no intention to send minesweepers to the Persian Gulf.

Several possibilities were seriously considered, including sending minesweepers to the gulf.

He referred to the decision to send minesweepers to the gulf after the war was over.

Ten years ago, Japan sent minesweepers to the Persian Gulf war, but they arrived after the fighting was over.

Japan did send minesweepers after fighting had ended, but this was considered a special circumstance.

One report quoted a Japanese official who was not named as saying Japan might send minesweepers.

Eleven days after its rejection of a deeper involvement in the Persian Gulf, Britain agreed to send minesweepers to the area.

They could send minesweepers or something like that.

Tokyo has cited the clause in rejecting an American appeal to send minesweepers, refueling tankers and other equipment.