|
|
Many of those American prisoners of war not executed at Truk would be transported by ship for internment in prison or forced labor camps in Japan. As they boarded the vessels which would transport them to the Japanese homeland, each American was given instructions on how he was to conduct himself aboard ships:
JAPANESE NAVAL REGULATIONS FOR PRISONERS OF WAR
Commander of the Prisoner Escort
Navy of the Great Japanese Empire
REGULATIONS FOR PRISONERS
The prisoners disobeying the following orders will be punished with immediate death:
Those disobeying orders and instructions.
Those showing a motion of antagonism and raising a sign of opposition.
Those disordering the regulations by individualism, egoism, thinking about only yourself, rushing for your own goods
Those talking without permission and raising loud voices.
Those walking and moving without orders.
Those carrying unnecessary baggage in embarking.
Those resisting mutually.
Those touching the boart's materials, wires, electric lights, tools, switches, etc.
Those climbing ladders without order.
Those showing action of running away from the room or boat.
Those trying to take more meal than given to them.
Those using more than two blankets.
Since the boat is not well equipped and inside being narrow, food bring scarce and poor you'll feel uncomfortable during the short time in the boat. Those losing patients and disobeying the regulation will be heavily punished. Same orders will be heavily punished…
Be sure to finish your “Nature's Call,” evacuate the bowels and urine before embarking.
Meals will be given twice a day. One plate only to one prisoner. The prisoners called by the guard will give out the meal quick as possible and honestly. The remaining prisoners will stay in their places quietly and wait for your plate. Those moving from their places reaching for your plate without order will be heavily punished. Same orders will be applied in handling plates after meal.
Toilet will be fixed at the four corner of the room. The buckets and cans will be placed. When filled up the guard will appoint a prisoner. The prisoner called will take the buckets to the center of the room. The buckets will be pulled up by the derrick and be thrown away. Toilet papers will be given. Everyone
Navy of the Great Japanese Empire will not try to punish you all with death. Those obeying all the rules and regulations, and believing the action and purpose of the Japanese Navy, cooperating with Japan in constructing the “New order of the Great Asia” which lead to the world's peace will be well treated.
The End
Not all prisoners were placed aboard ships bound for Japan. As one Trukese witness has recalled, those that remained at Truk would never leave alive.
Continued Brutality of War-Pg3
|
||