The Japanese Labour Camp Survivors Association of Great Britain
Title
The Japanese Labour Camp Survivors Association of Great Britain
Description
An explanation of progress on their claim against the Japanese government.
Date
1993-08
Language
Format
Four printed sheets
Publisher
Rights
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
Identifier
SMilsonGW937875v70009,
SMilsonGW937875v70010,
SMilsonGW937875v70011,
SMilsonGW937875v70012
SMilsonGW937875v70010,
SMilsonGW937875v70011,
SMilsonGW937875v70012
Transcription
[underlined] THE JAPANESE LABOUR CAMP SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN [/underlined]
100 PINEWOOD AVENUE, EASTWOOD,
LEIGH-ON-SEA, ESSEX, SS9 5PB
TELEPHONE 0702-524613
August 1993
Dear Members and Friends,
This is a personal letter and not our next ‘FULCRUM’. Following the retirement of the 3 Executive Officers advised in MARCH issue – No.42 – and in view of our membership, which is still expanding, we have taken the opportunity to reorganise our approach in the light of fast moving international events in 1993.
‘JLCSA’ stands with 13 kindred FEPOW movements throughout the ‘six’ allies details of whom are shown below:-
The War Amputations of Canada,
The American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor,
The Center for Civilian Internee Rights U.S.A.,
The Survivors of Wake, Guam and Cavite, U.S.A.,
The Civilian ex POW Committee, U.S.A.,
The American Ex-Prisoners of War, U.S.A.,
The Hongkong Veterans Association of Canada,
The Japanese Labour Camp Survivors Association, U.K.,
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts, The Netherlands,
The Queensland Ex POW Reparation Committee, Australia,
The Japanese War Prisoners Reparations Action Group (Australia)
As a Group, we represent some 220,000 survivors and widows of the Japanese Holocaust.
and in addition:-
International Institute for Prisoners of War, U.S.A.
and we in G.B are accepted as being one of the prime Associations in our joint fight for justice and compensation from the Japanese Government. As you know, we now negotiate with the United Nations in Geneva – the only British FEPOW body to do so. Whereas in the past couple of years we have had to accept adverse decisions of the Sub Committee on Human Rights which have been happily accepted by HMG the situation has changed and we now take part with our overseas comrades in moulding the Working Party of the Sub-Committee, currently in relation to the forthcoming 50th Session of the Commission on Human Rights. We stand together in strength and respective ‘domestic’ governments are at last beginning to realise this.
The Canadians have initiated a claim against their Government under the Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in simple terms the Canadian Government has six months to explain to the United Nations why it won’t support a compensation claim by their chaps who were imprisoned by the Japanese military in World War II. Similarly the New Zealanders have served notice of intent upon their government and, of course, we are seeking legal advice as to our next step. You know that we are progressing the question of litigation on behalf of British FEPOWs forced to work as slave labourers, and we are delighted to learn that our Dutch comrades (representing some 76,000 ex Dutch POWs and civilian Internees) are compiling evidence of the Mitsui Corporation’s use of forced labourers, even up on the Siam/Burma Railway, claiming compensation for such gross violation in international law. German companies, in specific Mercedes Benz have recently recognised gross violations of human rights committed by them in WWII and are setting aside funds to compensate forced labourers who worked in their factories.
Our Dutch comrades have asked to discuss the issue with Mitsui Corporation in Tokyo – if possible without resorting to legal action – and have given them 30 days in which to respond. They also maintain top level negotiations with the Dutch Government.
The wheel is turning, and your new Executive Committee considered it right and proper that we bring ‘JLCSA’ up-to-date and after careful legal representation have established RULES and constitution for the benefit of every member. These are now enclosed for your attention.
1
[page break]
Can I please take this opportunity of mentioning a couple of items:-
1. We regret that some members found the JUNE No.43 issue of the ‘FULCRUM’ painful and upsetting, especially wives and families of our departed comrades who cannot possibly afford to avail themselves of the pilgrimages offered by Bill Osmond who worked so hard to establish them. Everything possible was and is being done to influence HMG to show some humanity in support of our affairs instead of the pathetic lack of consideration showed by those in high office who clearly have no more feelings of concern or honour that those held by the Japanese.
Those who have retraced their steps find it a therapeutic experience. Other friends discover a compulsion to write a book or poems and as an eminent Consultant Psychiatrist strongly recommended that FEPOWs write a personal account of their experiences – if only to be left for their grandchildren. As regards oneself, I don’t want to relive the Alexander Military Hospital massacre or the horrors of ill-fated “F” Force right up on the Siam/Burma border and then into Burma itself at Tanabaya and have no wish to return to that godforsaken jungle. Our memories of loved ones and grand comrades can never be replaced and that is why we shall never cease to fight for rectitude from the Japanese Government.
2. We are now faced with legal fees and current costs of the “FULCRUM” are such that the Editor recommended we increased our subs accordingly. This we will not entertain as the £3 for U.K. members and £5 for non-U.K members represent ‘JLCSA’s’ Annual Subscription which entitles members to all Newsletters and information about our claim. We have no intention of charging for the “FULCRUM” but propose to streamline publication instead. We will revert to a Newsletter giving priority to up-to-date information regarding the claim – if necessary by broadsheet – without waiting for quarterly issues. POSTBAG – “REKINDLE etc and COMRADES’ CORNER will be developed still further and Bill Osmond whom we thank so much for his previous assistance will, in future, concentrate on his pilgrimage promotions as a separate issue, and all requests and applications will be passed to him to handle in his usual inimitable manner. Please, therefore, at least for the time being send items of interest to me to enable FULCRUM to continue, also with humour, in the interests of all readers.
3. We will give you a brief account of our new Executive Committee, including ad hoc members, in our next FULCRUM. Already they are ‘going to Town’ and in the case of Sid Tavener to NORCROSS when Dr. Trevor Smith and Dr. Carol Hudson asked Sid to give a lecture on the Siam/Burma Railway. Sid addressed 17 Doctors and showed his video taken in 1987/88. He passed round photographs which included those taken at Gordon Camp Hospital in 1945 plus the gruesome photos which Charles and I spread round Geneva and Ministers in the House of Commons. All the photographs etc were of great interest to the medicos who will study them in more detail later. Sid met up again with Peter Watson and many members will remember this name. We should like to thank Sid for such a valuable presentation and also Dr. Smith and Dr. Hudson for their courtesy and hospitality.
4. I received a most charming letter from Brig. H.L. Salmon (rtd) as Chairman of BEDFORDSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, HERTFORDSHIRE and OXFORDSHIRE WAR PENSIONS’ COMMITTEE confirming that his Committee backed us and asked for the Government’s moral support for our claim. At the same time our friends wrote to some 25 Members of Parliament who represent constituencies in the four counties they serve enclosing a copy of their Committee’s Resolution. We all know the standard Foreign & Commonwealth Office reply, but most M.Ps replied sympathetically – some with genuine concern. The Brigadier continues to press for compensation and has also expressed possible lines of approach through long-standing Japanese Industries and commercial enterprises who may have benefitted from slave labour provided FEPOWs. He appreciates that we are working towards this end.
What an opportunity for members in these counties to follow up with their Constituent M.Ps . . .
2
[page break]
5. You will recall the concern of Charles Crawford and I when in Geneva to learn of the Japanese seeking a more prominent role in international affairs. We are concerned by recent announcements that the ‘special relationship’ between America and Britain may be dying? Is President Bill Clinton really plotting to replace it with Berlin and Tokyo and urging that Germany and Japan should be made permanent members of the Security Council?? It is issues like this that makes us wonder if HMG has any diplomatic skill left??? Our American comrades are dead against it.
6. Again due to the efforts of Sid Tavender his local M.P Mr. Nigel Jones, who was born after the War, was so shocked to learn the truth about what happened to us in Japanese hands that he has rounded up other members who expressed support in the past for current ‘moral’ back-up. . Mr. Jones M.P. kindly personally sought and obtained audience at the Embassy of Japan on 21st July. An account of the meeting will be in our next ‘Fulcrum’.
Another approach by Sid was to Mr. Peter Williams of Meridian Television who is very interested in our United Nations approach – including what happened in Unit 731. Mr. Williams is awaiting advice of our next move and when we are back in Geneva will arrange for a Camera to be there to record our activities.
We continue to secure evidence of atrocities by Unit 731 and you may be interested in the attached speech made by Mr. Masuda Hiromit in Tokyo condemning the Japanese Government and Ministry of Health for the part they played. It is encouraging to learn that more and more Japanese are prepared to stand up and be counted.
7. SIR EDWARD “WEARY” DUNLOP. Many lads contacted us on the sad news of the passing of “Weary” at the age of 85. I never came in contact with him on the Railway being right up on the Siam/Burma border, but later his courage and compassion became legend to all who knew this “beacon of hope”. We owe a great debt to all allied Doctors who endeavoured without facilities, instruments or medicine to treat and console sick and assist the dying. Perhaps a little bit of all who served with “Weary” has gone with him.
8. CALLING 18th DIVISION. We were sent a 16 page (A.4) documentary of the AMERICAN CONVOY – WILLIAM SAIL 12X – TASK FORCE 14 which took us to Singapore from Nova Scotia. I cannot remember who sent it in and if our comrade reads this I would me [sic] most grateful if he will please contact me. We wonder where this remarkable and exciting historical account came from as there is no indication who the author was. It could have been typed or copied on a word processor. If we can clear any question of copyright, after discussing with our Printers we think (subject to demand) that we could supply copies (including postage) for approximately £1.50p. It even mentions our old comrade Jack Caplan narrowly missed going over the side on MOUNT VERNON during the “Shellback” ceremony. All ships are mentioned, including supporting warships. It made me sit up when I read that Admiral Donetz let loose 34 U-boats between 1st October and 10th December . . . I welcome any information which will enable us to get this remarkable research to you.
HONG KONG. We also have copies of the Official Surrender by the late Governor Sir Mark Young and G.O.C. Major General Maltby.
We have received an urgent request from The Royal Mail, Customer Service Centre:-
PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH BUT [underlined] POSTAL ORDERS AND/OR CHEQUES [/underlined] WHEN PAYING SUBS ETC. THESE MUST [underlined] NOT [/underlined] BE MADE OUT TO INDIVIDUALS BUT TO “J.L.C.S.A” [underlined] AND CROSSED “A/C PAYEE” [/underlined] . .
ALSO, IN VIEW OF THE ALARMING COST OF POSTAGE, WE WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD PLEASE ENCLOSE A [underlined] STAMPED, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR REPLIES [/underlined] TO HELP US AT THIS END WITH MANY THANKS.
9. PROFESSOR THEO van BOVEN. We are awaiting his Report to Director General of United Nations which will be made known as soon as received.
3.
[page break]
Finally, I would like to thank all members who contacted their Members of Parliament and indeed Ministers. The results have been striking as when a member FEPOW is successful in denting the indifference of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, it makes it all worthwhile. Please keep it up as HMG are shortly to face a very sensitive situation with regard to the Operational Protocol.
Please forgive this unusual advice but we wanted to get the up-to-date Rules out to everybody as quickly as possible. The “Fulcrum” will follow as usual and we hope to get every outstanding submission cleared accordingly.
Keep the flag aflying and your powder dry . . . All guns oiled and engines revved up. We are going through a very significant period regarding our just claim which we hope will at last be successful.
With kindest regards and
Yours in comradeship.
[signature]
C.W. Holtham
Chairman.
100 PINEWOOD AVENUE, EASTWOOD,
LEIGH-ON-SEA, ESSEX, SS9 5PB
TELEPHONE 0702-524613
August 1993
Dear Members and Friends,
This is a personal letter and not our next ‘FULCRUM’. Following the retirement of the 3 Executive Officers advised in MARCH issue – No.42 – and in view of our membership, which is still expanding, we have taken the opportunity to reorganise our approach in the light of fast moving international events in 1993.
‘JLCSA’ stands with 13 kindred FEPOW movements throughout the ‘six’ allies details of whom are shown below:-
The War Amputations of Canada,
The American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor,
The Center for Civilian Internee Rights U.S.A.,
The Survivors of Wake, Guam and Cavite, U.S.A.,
The Civilian ex POW Committee, U.S.A.,
The American Ex-Prisoners of War, U.S.A.,
The Hongkong Veterans Association of Canada,
The Japanese Labour Camp Survivors Association, U.K.,
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts, The Netherlands,
The Queensland Ex POW Reparation Committee, Australia,
The Japanese War Prisoners Reparations Action Group (Australia)
As a Group, we represent some 220,000 survivors and widows of the Japanese Holocaust.
and in addition:-
International Institute for Prisoners of War, U.S.A.
and we in G.B are accepted as being one of the prime Associations in our joint fight for justice and compensation from the Japanese Government. As you know, we now negotiate with the United Nations in Geneva – the only British FEPOW body to do so. Whereas in the past couple of years we have had to accept adverse decisions of the Sub Committee on Human Rights which have been happily accepted by HMG the situation has changed and we now take part with our overseas comrades in moulding the Working Party of the Sub-Committee, currently in relation to the forthcoming 50th Session of the Commission on Human Rights. We stand together in strength and respective ‘domestic’ governments are at last beginning to realise this.
The Canadians have initiated a claim against their Government under the Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in simple terms the Canadian Government has six months to explain to the United Nations why it won’t support a compensation claim by their chaps who were imprisoned by the Japanese military in World War II. Similarly the New Zealanders have served notice of intent upon their government and, of course, we are seeking legal advice as to our next step. You know that we are progressing the question of litigation on behalf of British FEPOWs forced to work as slave labourers, and we are delighted to learn that our Dutch comrades (representing some 76,000 ex Dutch POWs and civilian Internees) are compiling evidence of the Mitsui Corporation’s use of forced labourers, even up on the Siam/Burma Railway, claiming compensation for such gross violation in international law. German companies, in specific Mercedes Benz have recently recognised gross violations of human rights committed by them in WWII and are setting aside funds to compensate forced labourers who worked in their factories.
Our Dutch comrades have asked to discuss the issue with Mitsui Corporation in Tokyo – if possible without resorting to legal action – and have given them 30 days in which to respond. They also maintain top level negotiations with the Dutch Government.
The wheel is turning, and your new Executive Committee considered it right and proper that we bring ‘JLCSA’ up-to-date and after careful legal representation have established RULES and constitution for the benefit of every member. These are now enclosed for your attention.
1
[page break]
Can I please take this opportunity of mentioning a couple of items:-
1. We regret that some members found the JUNE No.43 issue of the ‘FULCRUM’ painful and upsetting, especially wives and families of our departed comrades who cannot possibly afford to avail themselves of the pilgrimages offered by Bill Osmond who worked so hard to establish them. Everything possible was and is being done to influence HMG to show some humanity in support of our affairs instead of the pathetic lack of consideration showed by those in high office who clearly have no more feelings of concern or honour that those held by the Japanese.
Those who have retraced their steps find it a therapeutic experience. Other friends discover a compulsion to write a book or poems and as an eminent Consultant Psychiatrist strongly recommended that FEPOWs write a personal account of their experiences – if only to be left for their grandchildren. As regards oneself, I don’t want to relive the Alexander Military Hospital massacre or the horrors of ill-fated “F” Force right up on the Siam/Burma border and then into Burma itself at Tanabaya and have no wish to return to that godforsaken jungle. Our memories of loved ones and grand comrades can never be replaced and that is why we shall never cease to fight for rectitude from the Japanese Government.
2. We are now faced with legal fees and current costs of the “FULCRUM” are such that the Editor recommended we increased our subs accordingly. This we will not entertain as the £3 for U.K. members and £5 for non-U.K members represent ‘JLCSA’s’ Annual Subscription which entitles members to all Newsletters and information about our claim. We have no intention of charging for the “FULCRUM” but propose to streamline publication instead. We will revert to a Newsletter giving priority to up-to-date information regarding the claim – if necessary by broadsheet – without waiting for quarterly issues. POSTBAG – “REKINDLE etc and COMRADES’ CORNER will be developed still further and Bill Osmond whom we thank so much for his previous assistance will, in future, concentrate on his pilgrimage promotions as a separate issue, and all requests and applications will be passed to him to handle in his usual inimitable manner. Please, therefore, at least for the time being send items of interest to me to enable FULCRUM to continue, also with humour, in the interests of all readers.
3. We will give you a brief account of our new Executive Committee, including ad hoc members, in our next FULCRUM. Already they are ‘going to Town’ and in the case of Sid Tavener to NORCROSS when Dr. Trevor Smith and Dr. Carol Hudson asked Sid to give a lecture on the Siam/Burma Railway. Sid addressed 17 Doctors and showed his video taken in 1987/88. He passed round photographs which included those taken at Gordon Camp Hospital in 1945 plus the gruesome photos which Charles and I spread round Geneva and Ministers in the House of Commons. All the photographs etc were of great interest to the medicos who will study them in more detail later. Sid met up again with Peter Watson and many members will remember this name. We should like to thank Sid for such a valuable presentation and also Dr. Smith and Dr. Hudson for their courtesy and hospitality.
4. I received a most charming letter from Brig. H.L. Salmon (rtd) as Chairman of BEDFORDSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, HERTFORDSHIRE and OXFORDSHIRE WAR PENSIONS’ COMMITTEE confirming that his Committee backed us and asked for the Government’s moral support for our claim. At the same time our friends wrote to some 25 Members of Parliament who represent constituencies in the four counties they serve enclosing a copy of their Committee’s Resolution. We all know the standard Foreign & Commonwealth Office reply, but most M.Ps replied sympathetically – some with genuine concern. The Brigadier continues to press for compensation and has also expressed possible lines of approach through long-standing Japanese Industries and commercial enterprises who may have benefitted from slave labour provided FEPOWs. He appreciates that we are working towards this end.
What an opportunity for members in these counties to follow up with their Constituent M.Ps . . .
2
[page break]
5. You will recall the concern of Charles Crawford and I when in Geneva to learn of the Japanese seeking a more prominent role in international affairs. We are concerned by recent announcements that the ‘special relationship’ between America and Britain may be dying? Is President Bill Clinton really plotting to replace it with Berlin and Tokyo and urging that Germany and Japan should be made permanent members of the Security Council?? It is issues like this that makes us wonder if HMG has any diplomatic skill left??? Our American comrades are dead against it.
6. Again due to the efforts of Sid Tavender his local M.P Mr. Nigel Jones, who was born after the War, was so shocked to learn the truth about what happened to us in Japanese hands that he has rounded up other members who expressed support in the past for current ‘moral’ back-up. . Mr. Jones M.P. kindly personally sought and obtained audience at the Embassy of Japan on 21st July. An account of the meeting will be in our next ‘Fulcrum’.
Another approach by Sid was to Mr. Peter Williams of Meridian Television who is very interested in our United Nations approach – including what happened in Unit 731. Mr. Williams is awaiting advice of our next move and when we are back in Geneva will arrange for a Camera to be there to record our activities.
We continue to secure evidence of atrocities by Unit 731 and you may be interested in the attached speech made by Mr. Masuda Hiromit in Tokyo condemning the Japanese Government and Ministry of Health for the part they played. It is encouraging to learn that more and more Japanese are prepared to stand up and be counted.
7. SIR EDWARD “WEARY” DUNLOP. Many lads contacted us on the sad news of the passing of “Weary” at the age of 85. I never came in contact with him on the Railway being right up on the Siam/Burma border, but later his courage and compassion became legend to all who knew this “beacon of hope”. We owe a great debt to all allied Doctors who endeavoured without facilities, instruments or medicine to treat and console sick and assist the dying. Perhaps a little bit of all who served with “Weary” has gone with him.
8. CALLING 18th DIVISION. We were sent a 16 page (A.4) documentary of the AMERICAN CONVOY – WILLIAM SAIL 12X – TASK FORCE 14 which took us to Singapore from Nova Scotia. I cannot remember who sent it in and if our comrade reads this I would me [sic] most grateful if he will please contact me. We wonder where this remarkable and exciting historical account came from as there is no indication who the author was. It could have been typed or copied on a word processor. If we can clear any question of copyright, after discussing with our Printers we think (subject to demand) that we could supply copies (including postage) for approximately £1.50p. It even mentions our old comrade Jack Caplan narrowly missed going over the side on MOUNT VERNON during the “Shellback” ceremony. All ships are mentioned, including supporting warships. It made me sit up when I read that Admiral Donetz let loose 34 U-boats between 1st October and 10th December . . . I welcome any information which will enable us to get this remarkable research to you.
HONG KONG. We also have copies of the Official Surrender by the late Governor Sir Mark Young and G.O.C. Major General Maltby.
We have received an urgent request from The Royal Mail, Customer Service Centre:-
PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH BUT [underlined] POSTAL ORDERS AND/OR CHEQUES [/underlined] WHEN PAYING SUBS ETC. THESE MUST [underlined] NOT [/underlined] BE MADE OUT TO INDIVIDUALS BUT TO “J.L.C.S.A” [underlined] AND CROSSED “A/C PAYEE” [/underlined] . .
ALSO, IN VIEW OF THE ALARMING COST OF POSTAGE, WE WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD PLEASE ENCLOSE A [underlined] STAMPED, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR REPLIES [/underlined] TO HELP US AT THIS END WITH MANY THANKS.
9. PROFESSOR THEO van BOVEN. We are awaiting his Report to Director General of United Nations which will be made known as soon as received.
3.
[page break]
Finally, I would like to thank all members who contacted their Members of Parliament and indeed Ministers. The results have been striking as when a member FEPOW is successful in denting the indifference of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, it makes it all worthwhile. Please keep it up as HMG are shortly to face a very sensitive situation with regard to the Operational Protocol.
Please forgive this unusual advice but we wanted to get the up-to-date Rules out to everybody as quickly as possible. The “Fulcrum” will follow as usual and we hope to get every outstanding submission cleared accordingly.
Keep the flag aflying and your powder dry . . . All guns oiled and engines revved up. We are going through a very significant period regarding our just claim which we hope will at last be successful.
With kindest regards and
Yours in comradeship.
[signature]
C.W. Holtham
Chairman.
Collection
Citation
The Japanese Labour Camp Survivors Association of Great Britain, “The Japanese Labour Camp Survivors Association of Great Britain,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed July 17, 2026, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/collections/document/55370.