Fepow Fulcrum. No.30

Fepow Fulcrum. No.30

A newsletter published by the Far Eastern prisoners of war. They are campaigning for recognition of their time kept in Japanese camps.

1989

Four printed sheets

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MMilsonGW937875-240119-270001, MMilsonGW937875-240119-270002, MMilsonGW937875-240119-270003

NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTHEND ASSOCIATION

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SOUTHEND F.E.P.O.W.

FEPOW FULCRUM
[italics] We fight for compensation for FEPOWs and Dependants [/italics]

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J.L.C.S.A.

Issue No.30 Registered Charities Act 1960 No. 294853. Autumn 1989

[underlined] GLEETINGS [sic] FLIENDS [sic] [/underlined]! We knew it would come, i.e., Education bosses are nipping in quick to cash in on the Japanese jobs bonanza. Youngsters at secondary schools will be given the chance to mug up on all things Jap. I don’t think it will effect my two grandsons who are learning French and German but just in case I am brushing up my ‘Itchy – nee etc’ should they be drawn into learning leading, liting [sic] and lithmetic [sic]! Special classes will be available at schools in Derbyshire where Toyota are to open a plant. One FEPOW – Mr. Roy Bratby suggests that “Youngsters should be told instead about the atrocities the Jap committed during the war”. We agree and even the Prime Minister wrote me on her return from the Far East “It is essential we must never forget the past. You and your comrades suffered terribly in Japanese prison camps. This nation owes a great debt to all those who fought in the Far East” . . . More of this letter later.

So you Council Chiefs in Derbyshire who want our children to mug up on all things Japanese, please offer a balanced assessment of [underlined] all [/underlined] things Japanese when, who knows, you may be doing our kids a favour when they know what they are up against?

Our ‘P.R.’ team have come up with some interesting information about immigration and of course we all know about the exodus from East to West Germany. In Great Britain it seems we have everybody (with exception of our Hong Kong comrades) and Europe Australia and America etc do their fair share. Even little Hong Kong is faced with those from Vietnam. WHAT ABOUT JAPAN? The Japs seem to be uncomfortable with the world around it and its needs. Even today it is not a hospitable shore for immigrants. From 1980 to 1985 only 37,000 individuals were naturalized in Japan – less than the monthly figure in the United States and while France has absorbed more than 160,000 refugees since 1975 – Japan has taken just more than 5,000 . . . From all accounts the Japs appear to want to [underlined] get away [/underlined] from the place! It’s a funny old world isn’t it?

[underlined] A couple of items of correspondence with the Government. [/underlined] We wrote The Rt. Hon. John Major, MP the new Foreign Secretary on 3rd August congratulating him on his appointment on behalf of the ill-fated 18th British (East Anglian) Division thrown away at Singapore as Mr. Major’s constituency is in Huntingdon nr Cambridge, on his meeting with Mr. Qian Qichen of China when it was agreed that’ both sides should look again at Article 18 of the Hong Kong Treaty’. We submitted, with respect, that the precedent of revision in such matters must remain the same and that the government should be prepared to look again at Articles 14 and 16 of the Japanese Peace Treaty. That is the charge put to the United Nations and represents a completely new situation.

We wrote the Prime Minister on 8th September wishing her a successful outcome to her forthcoming visit to Japan when we reiterated the sufferings of British subjects who slaved in their hands during WW2 and the need for the Japs to make amends. We also respectfully suggested that Mrs. Thatcher should play them at their own game of ‘Bushido’ and lean on them instead – as it seems – bow to their every wish.

We also wished her success with Mr. Gorbachev on her return home and in relation with

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the invitation from Mr. Gorbachev to Her Majesty to visit the Soviet Union when he visited the U.K. last April.

We wouldn’t dare to presume that the Prime Minister took our advice but it is interesting to note that Mrs. Thatcher’s warning to the Japs on trade instead of the usual overpraising and servile blandishments when dealing with them, was received with satisfaction from the country as a whole. We received a charming letter from No.10 which is much appreciated. We have a superb Parliamentary Team and personally I prefer to go to the top rather than approach Junior Ministers either in the Lords or the House, no matter how impressive they may sound.

By the way, the next time you are at the Barbican, have a glance at Paternoster Square near St. Pauls. Yes, you are right – the Japs are to purchase it it is said for £318 million. They have spent billions in buying up prime sites throughout London.

[underlined] CAMPAIGN. [/underlined] The Canadian initiative proceeds on schedule and although we cannot say anything at this time, three of your Executives took part in a very delicate conference ‘up West’ early in the month of September. When possible, we will advise developments. So what is the situation ‘at home’. Unlike Canada, Australia and the U.S.A Britain has no official government department to deal with the needs of ex-servicemen and women. We do not even have the status of ‘veteran’ – with all the benefits that brings in other countries. We battle on to ensure the sacrifices made by ex-servicemen and women by the Royal British Legion but are refused such a representative who would be responsible only to Parliament itself. It is no use saying that the parallel Departments serve our needs AS THEY DON’T. They are brilliant at passing the buck whereas one Minister should be in charge of all including our Widows who suffered so much. The Canadian government spends 1.7 billion dollars a year on its veterans’ programme. They are proud of their ex-service personnel to whom they rightly owe a debt. They even provide services to cut grass, wash windows and pay for social transportation. The Americans veterans programme costs 29 billion dollars a year and offer a mass of services and benefits for those who once wore uniform.

Many war widows have faced a bleak uncertain future struggling to bring up children and make ends meet. Widows of men killed in the Second World War today receive less than half the pension given to women who lost their men in the Falklands and Northen Ireland. There is a deep sense of injustice felt by many at the treatment meted out by the government. To all FEPOWs who have not received a Psychiatric examination during their T.D.I – PLEASE PUT IN FOR ONE IMMEDIATELY. Today in the event of and terrible trauma like plane crash, the Thames boat tragedy, railway disasters, the Kings Cross underground Fire there is immediate counselling – and that included the frightful bombing of the Royal Marines in Deal. I discussed matters generally with a Consultant Psychiatrist last week and he confirmed that in our case it had taken the Government [underlined] 50 years [/underlined] to recognise the need. Don’t hesitate lads. Go to it – our Welfare Officer Jim Wylde is here to advise.

[underlined] JAPANESE BANKS NOW LEAD WORLD’S LEAGUE. . [/underlined] For the first time, the 10 largest banks in the world are all Japanese as an American and a French bank have fallen out of the top ranks. DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK LTD is Japan’s and the world’s biggest banking company with assets of 387 BILLION DOLLARS at the end of March 1989. The Nips proudly announce that they are the richest nation in the world – NOW WORTH A QUARTER MORE THAN THE AMERICANS. Makes you think doesn’t it?

[underlined] BY THE WAY [/underlined] Who named us lot BRITS? I read that it was the Japanese in retaliation for us calling them JAPS of NIPS (which they hate). I don’t know how true this is but in terms of psychological warfare, I love being called BRIT by those little JAP, JAP, JAPs. I know they hated our title when we met them at the Japanese Embassy last year, but the [underlined] JAP [/underlined] LABOUR CAMP SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION remains unadulterated by oriental protests.

[underlined] FIGHTING FUND. [/underlined] We are very near legal submissions and if we could appeal for funds to help it would be much appreciated. Without reference to the F.F., we have been compelled to purchase a [underlined] new [/underlined] photo-copier at great expense but it will enable us to print our FULCRUMS without putting out to professional printers. To save space (which means money) you will note we have dispensed with our original cover but hope you like the new one. The old Southend Badge is there together with the new JLCSA ‘S C O R P I O N’

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Lapel badges and Ladies Headsquares are both underway, and we cannot supply our ties fast enough. Dick Wilkins has done so much in his negotiations with manufacturers.

[underlined] HONG KONG VETS OF CANADA and QLD.EX POW REPARATION COMMITTEE of Australia. [/underlined]

Our friends in Canada are light years ahead of us but not in generosity of spirit. Our Australian cobbers having broken away from their Federation are raising funds through their membership in various ways. One Aussie generously donated a block of land to be raffled to raise further funds to enhance their claim for reparation. In following Canadian advice, we in U.K are presently engaged in assessing our situation which will be advised as soon as it is confirmed.

[underlined] ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF NATIONAL FEDERATION OF FEPOW CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS
BLACKPOOL – JUNE 1989. [/underlined]

You will remember that we emphasised the significance of the MAJORIOY VOTE whereby 33 Associations voted ‘FOR’ compensation – 13 ‘against’ with 1 abstention.

The resolution that won the day was given by Mr. Maurice Mooney of the NORWICH FELLOWSHIP OF FEPOWs. It consisted of 4 1/2 pages of thoughtful and painstaking argument. In appealing for diversity from the past and unity for the future Mr. Mooney stressed that the situation had changed from the 1951 Peace Treaty and gave arguments in International Law and actions taken in Parliament to seek a just and honourable settlement. Constructive criticism was given which we in JLCSA accept and the extraordinary result of the 1986 Conference was referred to purely in relation to any possible opposition from the Executive which was of paramount importance. JLCSA did not take part in this particular Conference so we were in no way involved in what happened.

Mr. Mooney’s Resolution was a model of transparent honesty in an effort to weld our great movement – and we say this most sincerely – together in an effort to present a United Front during the little time left to us.

We in JLCSA are asked “it is some 4 months since the Conference: Has there been a meeting or dialogue to discuss the future?” Sadly, I have to say NO there hasn’t. We did, however, receive a Manchester Association Newsletter in which R.J. Coite, Esq., MBE as Editor gave the following advice:-

[underlined] CONFERENCE. [/underlined] There was a very good attendance by delegates, observers, and other members at the Annual Conference held in Blackpool on 22nd June. Although, of course, part of the time was taken up by routine business, e.g., presentation and adoption of various reports appertaining to the past year, there was still time for discussion. This is therefore a summary of the new business.

The only resolution was proposed by Norwich, to the effect that NFFCA be urged to support a campaign in favour of pursuing a compensation claim against the Japanese. The delegate made a good speech, and Conference voted in favour of the proposal. Unfortunately, I think, the delegate did not spell out in precise terms what his Club wanted. [underlined] To ask NFFCA to do something is very vague [/underlined] (my emphasis). NFFCA is not a body set apart from its members – every Fepow who belongs to a Club is part of NFFCA – so they are all NFFCA. When asked to clarify the position, he had no definite response; a letter sent to the Club received an equally vague answer . . . i.e., who is going to run the campaign, who is going to pay for it, and so on . . . they haven’t thought it through. No doubt the matter will be discussed by the Executive Committee and the Areas Council at their meeting in October” Coming from Mr. Coite who is on the National Executive and without qualification I think this is an extraordinary statement, and I wrote him and subsequently stated that I proposed to publish his remarks which, incidentally, have been reflected in other Newsletters. May I submit that conference decision is SACROSANCT as a majority Mandate to the Executive. They should not ask ‘who’ – ‘what’ etc but [underlined] HOW do we [/underlined] propose to carry out the direction of the 1989 Conference.

Members will, I hope forgive me for mentioning what happened at Blackpool so far as I was concerned. At the TENKO (evening before Conference) I had a chat with Harold L. Payne, Esq., OBE., President, who was at his most charming but which failed to disclose the enmity he showed against me the following morning – in my absence of course.

I don’t propose to reduce myself to his level but would correct a couple of items he gave conference (1) He stated that Southend had resigned from the Federation BUT HE DID NOT STATE WHY. For all our new members, survivors, widows and dependants we withdrew because NFFCA stated that “the FEPOW was no different from any other ex-serviceman” whereas we contend that our service and captivity was unique in the history of WW2.

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That is why we fight for compensation from a despicable and merciless enemy. Payne also waved a ‘large bundle of scurrilous and insulting statements’ from me to him and other Members of the Executive. Now it is most interesting as I have a huge file from him and NFFCA containing some vitriolic letters, in fact I suggest that my ‘bundle’ could fight his! Did he show them to anybody? We invite everyone to see ours. As for the ‘insults and scurrilous statements’ PAYNE DOES NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE AND ‘FAIR COMMENT IN RELATION TO THE ISSUE AT HAND’.

So there you are, so far as JLCSA are concerned we carry on as hitherto. For all members of NFFCA who voted [underlined] for [/underlined] compensation can we please recommend that you press your Area Representative to further your claim (after all you did elect him) and also lean on the National Executive to act in accord to your wishes as expressed at Conference.

I apologize to the hundreds of new members who haven’t a clue what I am talking about, but I do have the right to reply where such abuse is concerned.

[underlined] BACK TO THOSE HAPPY DAYS. [/underlined] What a party we had when the Coachload of our SUNDERLAND friends came to our TENKO on 5th September. Fancy coming all that way to dear old Southend. What a joy to meet and be entertained by such lovely people and the fun we had with ‘the gang’ led by Len Gibson and Michael Conlin and all the other names which escape me. We at Southend intend to ‘return the compliment’ and see you for a ‘return match’. Thanks for coming lassies and lads and God Bless all of you.

We have our [underlined] WALTHAMSTOW BRANCH [/underlined] coming to see us on 3rd OCTOBER and you are most welcome. We look forward to a happy, social and entertaining evening.

If anyone else would like to visit, please let us know in good time to enable us to roll out the red carpet and get the cockles in. We hold our Tenkos at the Royal Naval Association, East Street, Prittlewell, Southend which is easy to get to and we will always send you on a map to assist the driver.

One thing is definite and that is we must have a National ReUnion next year. Some of us have experience of the excellent facilities offered by Pontins and already venues are being considered. Personally, I would like to find somewhere central to everybody – if that is at all possible. We must get our heads together on this one.

[underlined] MEMBERSHIP. [/underlined] Still grows with every post. We now have six members working on Registrations. The new photo-copier caused a lot of work as for the first time we will print out the thousands of name/address labels for the envelopes. Members have asked for back FULCRUMs which means reprinting but we do what we can: Also, some friends have asked for more FULCRUMS as they inform and tell what is going on. We would like to oblige but the problem is ‘time’ and of course ‘expense’. Writer only wishes he could pass the FULCRUM to an independent member as it is so time consuming and in the next few months I forsee [sic] a lot of intense activity. Our thanks for the s.a.e’s as cost of postage is so high, in fact it is going up again shortly isn’t it. One gentleman came all the way from Lincolnshire to my home to see about starting a JLCSA Branch there. What enthusiasm. The reaction from East Anglia has been fantastic and requests to establish local branches are noted.

[underlined] IN MEMORIAM [/underlined]

It is with sadness we regret to announce that BERT HOY has passed on to join the host of comrades who have gone before. Our sympathy goes out to Dorothy and thanks to all who attended Bert’s funeral at Chelmsford.

We also think of all who are ill, distressed or lonely and again we ask if anyone who needs help to contact Ron Shayler or Jim Wylde our Welfare/Pensions Officer.

For now then folks, the best is yet to come. We hope you keep fit and are ready for the Winter. Personally, I was glad to get rid of the summer: It was too hot for my comfort. With warmest regards from us all.

Editor of sorts: Bill Holtham, [censored words]