In 2010 vinden op elke 2de dinsdag van de maand demonstraties plaats voor de Japanse Ambassade in Den Haag.
Demonstraties
Alle demonstraties in het jaar
2010 zijn op de 2de dinsdag van iedere maand, aanvang 12.00 uur
voor de Japanse Ambassade in de Tobias Asserlaan 2, te Den Haag.
Na afloop wordt voor de demonstranten een bijeenkomst gehouden in
Hotel Bel Air. Hierbij wordt gelegenheid geboden om van gedachten
te wisselen met lotgenoten, te spreken met bestuursleden en het
aanhoren van actuele zaken.
Petities
His Excellency Naoto Kan
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 13 July 2010
Petition: 188 Subject: Japanese relations with the European Union.
Excellency,
In an effort to improve the political and economic relations between Japan and the European Union a high-level working group will discuss Japan’s request for a bilateral free trade agreement and the European demand to lower non-tariff barriers in Japan. The first meeting is scheduled to take place in Brussels around 16th July.
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts has suggested in many petitions before, that entering into trade and political negotiations Japan will have to overcome another barrier. The barrier of not recognizing Japan’s war atrocities by its military during World War Two.
The forthcoming discussions on trade between Japan and the European Union will be enhanced if Japan acknowledged its moral obligations to European victims of Japanese war crimes. One way to demonstrate such an acknowledgement would be: in coming to terms with the Foundation of Honorary Debts.
In many previous petitions we made clear that it is of paramount importance for Japan and the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts that within our respective culture and historic context, acknowledgement of the facts are as important as the subsequent final settlement of the damage done to the victims.
On 15th August 2010 it is 65 years ago that World War Two was officially ended. For the celebration of that historic event and for the forthcoming discussions in Brussels it would be advantageous if you personally acknowledge Japan’s moral obligations stemming from World War Two and instruct another working group, parallel to the working group on a free trade agreement, to come to terms with the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
His Excellency
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 8 June 2010
Petition: 187
Subject: East Asia Community.
Excellency,
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts congratulates you most sincerely with your elevation to Japan’s next Prime Minister. We hope that you will soon be able to start the much needed changes the Democratic Party of Japan pledged at the elections of last year. In the short period that we presented petitions to your predecessor Dr. Yukio Hatoyama, our main theme was and remains “the future lies in recognizing the past.” The immediate tasks and pressures on Dr. Yukio Hatoyama as Prime Minister left him little time nor room to address this very important consideration for Japan and its future. Nevertheless, Dr. Yukio Hatoyama presented a vision in which he indicated the need for Japan to take the initiative in setting up an East Asia Community. In his speech as Prime Minister of Japan on the occasion of the 16th International Conference of the Future of Asia, hosted by the Nihon Keizei Shimbun on 20 May 2010 he presented this vision. It should be Japan’s starting point to consider the past in shaping the future of Japan in Asia.
He referred to his Indonesian friend Agus Soelewa, who we believe must have explained how Indonesia evolved from the Dutch East Indies past. Many are still the historic links between the Dutch and Indonesia. In particular the sufferings we all experienced during Japan’s occupation of the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia, during the Pacific War joins us, but unfortunately separated us too. The Indonesian people suffered badly by Japanese interference in daily life and harsh treatment of the individuals.
In visiting Indonesia one must wonder, what happened to those Dutch who built the Indonesian infrastructure provided medical care and fought the Japanese in order to protect the people of the current Indonesia. Those Dutch, who were rooted there, were singled out in concentration camps (military, men, women and children) but also outside these camps with the main purpose to remove them from any influence and to confiscate their belongings, including their lives and health.
It is paramount that in starting the East Asian Community one must take into account Japan’s past acts of war and intrusions in the East Asian territories likely to be included in the initiative. In particular the atrocities the Japanese military inflicted upon locals and the Dutch in the former Dutch East Indies during the Pacific War are not forgotten. Obtaining their cooperation will require a suitable recognition and settlement of that past.
Prime Minister,
The Dutch-Japanese relationship is most likely the longest with any Western nation. In the words of Dr. Yukio Hatoyama these relationships have been “warm – blooded.” In the four years of Japanese occupation they froze and despite the heat are still not defrosted. The Dutch character is not to forget, but to seek solutions to overcome differences. The reality is that under the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty Japan was allowed to rebuild and to re-establish her at the expense of the individual victims whose rights to claim under the The Hague Convention of 1907 were forfeited. Japan and its people benefited greatly, but did not see its moral responsibility to seek a compromise with the victims, who lost but all.
His Excellency Yukio Hatoyama
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 11 May 2010
Petition: 186
Subject: Progress?
Excellency,
The present financial and economic crises are subject to many discussions. They are used as excuse to postpone decisions which should have been made previously. These decisions were not made due to lacking political will. Instead the monies were spent on prestigious projects. Each country has it examples. Most of the prestigious projects turn out to be a waste; prestige does not pay in the current crisis
Now it is regretted that investments in the future were not made. Typical examples of such good investments are well funded pension systems, well organized health care, sustainable educational systems and respect for the past, rectifying wrong doings. It gives the nation and its people respect by investing in the future. In considering the past, Japan did not have the political will nor the tenacity to realize that it has acquired considerable bad-will stemming from the behavior of its military during the Pacific War.
Again the excuse is that in these difficult times these investments in the future can not be afforded. During the 1930’s depression many countries closed their borders, concentrated on local politics and ignored the world going up in flames. During that period Japan started to occupy many Asian territories. These involuntary occupations have, after 65 years, not been forgotten by the individual victims and their families. What the Japanese Army did to these people and their properties can not be repaired. A gilded acknowledgment of guilt is however the least to be considered. It is shameful to claim that the San Francisco Peace treaty indemnifies Japan against such claims. The San Francisco Peace Treaty did not dismiss Japan from its moral obligations.
In history and memory moral issues are larger then legal issues. Japan will continuously be reminded, that based on its economic success, afforded by the Peace Treaty, it should consider its moral obligations.
Is there hope? I believe so, as Anne Frank said: “I still believe in the inherent kindness of man.” It would pay Japan if it invests in the moral issues still outstanding by acknowledging the need to do so and show progress.
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts awaits your early reply acknowledging the need to resolve the moral issues and hopes to record that there is a political will to resolve, after 65 years, the need to come to terms with her past and that there is progress.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yukio Hatoyama
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 9 March 2010
Petition: 184
Subject: Recollection, Responsibility and Future
Excellency,
Mr. G. Saathoff of Germany, board member of the German Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future, presented in 2008 to the Symposium “The Hague Convention of 1907 Past and Present in Perspective” a paper in which he outlines the way in which Germany took up its moral responsibility “in coming to terms with National Socialist injustice and in making compensation”.
His presentation is enclosed in full.
In many petitions the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts suggested that Japan should follow Germany’s example “in coming to terms with its moral responsibility in violating the human rights during World War II of many victims, in particular the Dutch in Dutch East Indies”.
We welcome therefore your and your Cabinet’s initiative in setting up an independent Human Rights Institute safeguarding Human Rights in Japan and elsewhere. In knowing the facts, concentrating on victims and above all avoiding the influence of self-justification of perpetrators will give such an institution a flying start.
Prime Minister,
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts has requested the United Nation’s Human Rights Council to follow up on the recommendations by Mrs. Dr. Radhika Coomaraswami in 1996 condemning Japan’s violation of Human Rights during World War II and the requests made in the Human Rights Council’s 2008 Universal Periodic Review. Japan has, up till now failed to take adequate notice of these requests. It would be fitting if your government’s initiative in setting up an independent Human Rights Institute would deal with these requests forthwith. Prerequisite conditions in setting up the Japanese Human Rights Institute are: sufficient funding, the political will to support the Institute but not to interfere in its proceedings and learn from the German experience.
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts is most willing to introduce you and your Cabinet members to the board of the German Foundation.
Please ask your Cabinet Secretary to acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yukio Hatoyama
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 9 February 2010
Petition: 183
Subject: Moral Hazard
Excellency,
In many petitions, including my previous one, we suggested that Japan must come to terms with its moral responsibility and satisfy victims of past war crimes. During World War II Japan violated the human rights of many, in particular the Dutch in Dutch East Indies. The Japanese military behaved atrociously. Many are the examples of unjust brutality, discrimination, slavery and plundering. The Japan of today is morally obligated to recognize these wrongdoings and redress the damage done.
Both within Japan and by Japans’ neighbours it is recognized that the denial of these moral obligations will continue to affect Japans’ international relations negatively. The policies of previous governments of Japan form a moral hazard and have damaged Japan’s global economic position.
Members of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts discussed these issues with you personally in October 2002 and followed them up in October 2003. According to those present, you took great interest in the plight and constant suffering of those Dutch who survived. They were left with the impression that you were genuinely concerned, but that your party in opposition could not do much. They reported also on the progress of our court proceedings. At that time Japan was found by the courts to have violated the The Hague Convention of 1907(The Laws and Customs of War on Land) and would thus be liable to pay reparations. The Supreme Court did not agree and dismissed the cassation on administrative grounds. Nevertheless Japan continues to have its moral responsibility to the Dutch war victims.
Now that you party has been elected into power, we expect from you a personal initiative to open up the dialogue and set an example to your foreign neighbours how to resolve the moral responsibility and avoid moral hazards. The way your government has shown initiative in resolving the Siberian Japanese POW’s redress may be a satisfactory approach in which the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts could be assistance for the Dutch coming from Dutch East Indies.
We look forward hearing from you soon.
Please ask your Cabinet Secretary to acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yukio Hatoyama
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 12 January 2010
Petition: 182
Subject: Redress of Dutch wartime victims
Excellency,
On behalf of all the Dutch members of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts we wish you, personally, your Cabinet and the people of Japan a happy and fruitful New Year.
Since you took over as Prime Minister of Japan you inherited a sad state of affairs. The poor financial and economic conditions have had a severe impact on Japan and its people. Export markets are falling and unemployment is increasing. Furthermore, you have to deal with foreign distrust stemming from your predecessors mismanagement of Japan’s past.
During your recent visits to South Korea and China you revealed your vision of an East Asian Community built on the spirit of fraternity. This vision gives hope and opportunity as long as the aim is to build the fraternity on mutual respect and trust. In this context Japan must consider its wartime past and solve the disastrous image the LDP gave to the morality of Japan. The arrogant denial of Japan’s moral obligations will not be forgotten. We understand, however, that the Democratic Party of Japan feel morally responsible for Japan’s wartime misdeeds both at home and in the territories occupied by the Japanese military during World War Two. The DPJ and others have prepared a range of bills to that effect, which would clarify Japan’s responsibility and secure the necessary funds in resolving in what we call Japan’s Honorary Debts.
Prime Minister,
In my previous petitions I suggested that the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts is well suited, as a Non Governmental organization recognized by the United Nations, to develop with you and your Cabinet, as far as Dutch victims are concerned, an adequate and meaningful solution. Jointly we should be able to find a way to address our grievances including compensation for wartime atrocities and enslavement of Dutch victims. A solution would also help the Japanese people to understand why the Dutch from Dutch East Indies, who lost but all, demand respect, reparation and compensation. We too have our Anna Frank story, we too have our Comfort Women, we too have our concentration camp stories where we starved to death, and we too have been discriminated inside the camps and outside. The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts represents 100,000 registered victims and is with its recognized UN status, unique.
Giving the victims their respect back and most importantly giving them the satisfaction that all has not been in vain would give Japan the basis for trust and peace in the region.
As a New Year’s resolution you may consider this opportunity in resolving the redress of Dutch war victims as the beginning of your vision for an East Asian Fraternity and thus demonstrate your commitment.
Please ask your Cabinet Secretary to acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yukio Hatoyama
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 10 November 2009
Petition: 180
Subject: historic commitment
Excellency,
The political leaders all over the world are recognizing the change in government in Japan and welcome your break away from the viewpoint of previous Japanese governments. Recently the Minister President of the Netherlands his Excellency J.P. Balkenende visited Japan and discussed with you the Dutch-Japanese relationship over the past 400 years. During that period our countries established, against all odds, a durable and lasting relationship. This relationship was beneficial to both nations.
The Japanese military occupation of the Dutch East Indies during the Pacific War remains, however, a hideous and unresolved occurrence, which requires careful and due consideration in order to maintain and further improve Dutch-Japanese relations.
After the war Japan was given the opportunity to reestablish itself to what it is today. The terms of the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty formed the basis for that. Had Japan been treated differently it is hard to say where Japan would be today. Admirably, Japan has worked to become the second economic power, and even now Japan seems to cope with the difficult times in its own way.
From a historic perspective, taking into account the opportunities given to Japan after the war, it has to recognize its honorable debt to the victims of the Japanese military occupation. You are making changes in the role and position of government, focusing on people first. You recognize that Japan’s future lies in Asia, but also that Japan has a historic commitment in building the long term Netherlands -Japan relationship. In this context it is natural to look to the past so as to define the future.
Let us work together and establish a just and fair settlement of Japan’s past. Let us target 15th August 2010, 65 years after the ending of the Pacific War, as the date that Japan and the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts, NGO, agreed a final redress of Japan’s past. The international image of a new Japan is in your hands, we are hopeful that you will rise to the occasion.
Please ask your Cabinet Secretary to acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
NB I do not like whale meat either.
His Excellency Yukio Hatoyama
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 13 October 2009
Petition: 179
Subject: a new start?
Excellency,
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts congratulates you most sincerely with your election as Prime Minister of Japan. Together with your party’s election victory we hope that you will be able to change the style of government to an open and socially responsive one. For Japan and its people and for the world at large, in these economically difficult times, there is hope that you will be able to break away from the stalemate attitude of the previous Prime Ministers and the LDP in accepting that the future lies in recognizing the past.
Since 1994, on the second Tuesday each month, members of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts demonstrate in front of the Japanese Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands. They demonstrate in support of the many requests put forward in petitions that Japan acknowledge its moral obligation to redress its past and pay its Honorary Debts to Dutch victims of the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies during World War Two. During the occupation the Japanese Military brutally violated human rights. The Dutch were treated very badly, many died, the survivors were left often with physical and incurable traumas, and they lost all their material effects.
Prime Minister,
Many of our petitions were sent to your predecessors. They were ignored despite the reasonable requests for a genuine dialogue to resolve the Japanese Honorary Debts. It is felt that after all those years the humiliation and discrimination of Dutch victims of Japanese military oppression continues.
In this petition we ask you a very simple question concerning the plight of the Dutch who suffered so badly from the occupation of the Dutch East Indies during World War Two by the Japanese military. Please recognize Japan’s moral responsibility: instruct the appropriate Japanese government organization to open an honest dialogue for a just and fair settlement of Japans’ past.
We understand that you will shortly meet with the Dutch Minister President in Tokyo. We have requested his Excellency Mr. J.P Balkenende to raise our request with you.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 8 September 2009
Petition: 178
Subject: Japan will change.
Excellency,
These are the last days in office for you. The electorate spoke. Your party, and in particular you personally, lost the elections. For too long the LDP and their respective governments ignored the need for change. The reliance on bureaucracy, the long economic decline since 1993 and the fear of exposing Japans’ brutal militarism during World War Two, all took their toll in the resounding defeat. The Japanese voters dared to change the political leadership of Japan on 30 august 2009. They recognized the need for change, which the LDP failed to see.
Many of our petitions were sent to you and your predecessors. They were ignored despite the reasonable requests for a genuine dialogue resolving the Japanese Honorary Debts. The penalty now is defeat and loss of face by the LDP and its leaders.
Prime Minister,
The demise of the LDP leadership was foreseen, however not to the extent as it now has materialized. On the occasion of the celebration of 400 years of trade relations between the Netherlands and Japan we asked His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino of Japan to request the Japanese and Dutch governments to cooperate in resolving the Japanese Honorary Debts. I am sure that my letter to His Imperial Highness was passed on to you. For easy reference I enclose a copy.
We hope that with the new Prime Minister of Japan and his cabinet we can have in due course an open and honest dialogue for a just and fair settlement of Japans’ past. We trust that you will pass this letter on to your successor.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
Enclosure: letter to his Imperial Highness Prince Akishino of Japan dated 22 August 2009.
Stichting Japanse Ereschulden
His Royal Highness Prince Akishino of Japan,
The Hague, 22 August 2009.
Your Royal Highness,
On the occasion of the celebration of 400 years of trade relations between The Netherlands and Japan it is also time to reflect on the period in which Japan occupied the Dutch East Indies during the Pacific War. In the Dutch East Indies Japan established concentration camps for Dutch men, women and children. The treatment was harsh, inmates were starved, and medicine was denied in order to destroy the Dutch. Those Dutch citizens who were “lucky” to be left outside the camps were denied to make a living and were as badly treated as those inside the concentrations camps. This all in the name of your grandfather Showa.
Japanese officials have expressed deep regret over the sufferings Japan inflicted on Asian countries, including the Dutch in the Dutch East Indies. Your father, His Royal Highness Akihito Emperor of Japan, stated on 15th August that he hoped that Japan would never again wage war. We could not agree more.
In the San Francisco Peace treaty of 1951 the allied forces, including the Dutch government waived the private war claims of the individual victims of Japanese occupation. Thus giving Japan the opportunity to recover from its own war damage. Japan has recovered admirably. But this does not mean that Japan has waived her moral obligations. Japan must express, as a nation, its deep remorse and redress the individuals’ sufferings.
The past 400 years Japan and the Netherlands have cooperated in trade and dealt with each other amicably with the exception of the three and half years during the Pacific war. In the spirit of this week’s celebration we ask you to take the opportunity to request that the Japanese and Dutch governments cooperate in this for both countries unfinished matter. The settlement of the Japanese Honorary Debts would not only signify a renewed understanding between our nations, but would also be an adequate final atonement.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 11 August 2009
Petition: 177
Subject: Does
Japan dare?
Excellency,
Do the Japanese voters dare to change the political leadership of Japan on 30 august 2009? Do they recognize in particular the need to change the attitude of Japan’s politicians in the way they handle the historic past?
The brutalities of the Japanese military during the Pacific War are not forgotten nor the total lack of consideration for the individual victims. The Tokyo War Crimes Trial is still a live issue today both in Japan as in the world at large. During the trial the criminality of the individual Japanese officials and high-ranking military officers was established, leading to guilty verdicts, including the execution of 7 convicted. But with the convictions the responsibility of Japan towards the individual victims of the war crimes did not end. A self respecting nation can not walk away from moral responsibility. However Japan has up till now refused to consider its responsibilities and continues to deny the actual events of the Pacific War. Japan is thus isolating itself from its neighbors and has little sympathy in the present troubled times. Regardless the outcome of the forthcoming elections Japan will have to change. Specifically it is to reexamine its relations with the United States and China taking into consideration the historic past and obligations.
Prime Minister,
During your period in office you received from the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts a number of petitions in which we tried to keep the dialogue open in finding a way to redress Japans Honorary Debts. Unfortunately your leadership did not adress the very point we made that Japan has a moral duty to recognize the war crimes and the need for redress the individual victims. The discussions with your Ambassador in The Hague were kept at bay and did not contribute to a better understanding due to lack of instructions by you personally. We regret that very much as we feel that it would have been better for Japan and the standing of Japan in the world if we had an open and direct dialogue with each other. Issues of comfort women, unit 736, slavery, atom bomb victims, and in general the sufferance of the Dutch in concentration camps and outside could have been dealt with directly.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 14 July 2009
Petition: 176
Subject: redress of
honorary debts.
Excellency,
The Japanese society observes its rules of conduct strictly and it is hard to deviate from them. Many are the stories that Japanese people are friendly, courteous and polite. They are helpful and can not say no. When we tell them our stories they weep bitterly and ask what can we do for you not to hate us anymore. It puzzles us therefore that Japan as a nation does not seem to see its moral obligation and tries more to redress its unfinished history. It is clear also that the Japanese people and in particular the younger are kept in the dark about Japanese military behavior in Dutch East Indies during World War Two.
Last month the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts co-hosted an exhibition on “Comfort Women – an unfinished history.” The chairperson of the Dutch House of Representatives Ms. Verbeet cut the ribbon and opened the exhibition in the atrium of the city hall of The Hague. As president of the Foundation I was honored to accompany her through the exhibition. She knows well the stories of the Comfort Women both in former Dutch East Indies as in other parts of East Asia occupied by Japan during World War Two. She supported the two parliamentarian motions on Comfort Women unanimously passed in the Dutch House of Representatives and expect the Japanese government to honour these motions.
Prime Minister,
Ms. Verbeet was again sick and angry seeing the shocking pictures and reading the tearful stories of the victims of military sexual slavery. Japan must show their shame and make sincere apologies to the world for the Japanese military behavior during World War Two. In comparing the Japanese detached, cool and negligent attitude with Germany’s apologies and appropriate redress of the shameful behavior of the SS troops it is clear that Japan has a long way to go in redressing its unfinished history. Post war Japanese governments followed deliberately a policy of neglect and avoidance. Recently the Japanese Employers Federation avoided a recommendation by the ILO to investigate enslavement including sexual by Japan during Word War Two and was supported in this by the Japanese government. In your final days of Prime Minister it would be fitting for you to take the initiative in tabling a motion in the Diet proposing to clear Japanse immediate war time’s past and redress voluntary with the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 12 May 2009
Petition: 174
Subject: accept the
historic facts and pay the individual victims of Japan’s
brutality by its military.
Excellency,
During your recent visit to China you urged China to follow a path of peaceful development. In particular you stressed that both China and Japan should not become military powers that threaten each other.
The mere fact that you express concern means that you have a guilty conscience. Neither the Chinese nor the Dutch from the Dutch East Indies have forgotten what the Japanese military did to them in the name of the Japanese Emperor, both during the occupation and the invasion leading up to the occupation.
President Hu Jintao made it abundantly clear that the past is not forgotten, but that economic developments must continue in view of the world wide economic recession. Cooperation between Japan and China will therefore continue.
However Japan has still an honorary debt to pay to the victims of its military brutality both in China and the former Dutch East Indies. The international community will continue to put Japan under pressure as long as Japan is unwilling to accept responsibility. Under the circumstances it would be advisable for Japan to clear its historic errors by naming them: make a sincere apology supported by the Diet and make substantial funds available to the individual victims. The international community assumes that Japan will ultimately settle her errors of the past as the alternative will threaten peaceful development and an unnecessary arms race between Japan and China.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 9 June 2009
Petition: 175
Subject: redress of honorary debts.
Excellency,
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts represents the Dutch from former Dutch East Indies, who suffered so badly from the Japanese military occupation of the islands. The members may be old now, but they are sensible and will never give up the fight for justice. Their next of kin will continue their fight indefinitely.
Japanese Prime Ministers have personal1y apologized for the atrocities and shameful behaviour the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy during World War 11. They never did however put the apology for a vote to the Diet so that the Japanese people could express their sorry and regret. 64 years have passed since the Japanese Emperor admitted defeat and accepted capitulation of the armed forces. Further fighting would only have meant more loss of life and was meaningless. The atomic bombs ended thus the war and saved many lives.
Prime Minister
The Japanese government instituted a program for those who suffer from the after effects of the atomic bombs. Although the execution of that program appears to be restricted and bureaucratic, it acknowledges that the Japanese government has a commitment towards war victims. In the same way the Japanese government should make similar commitments to the victims of the Japanese military during that same war. A war which intended to colonize South East Asia for the benefit of Japan.
It appears that what Japan was unable to achieve with military force, Japan is trying to achieve now with export loans. In this context it would be sensible to come to terms with the victims and their heirs of the Japanese military and get their support. It would be for the good of Japan and Asia.
The members of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts know that time will teil the true story and that Japan will be happy to redress its honorary debts voluntary. .
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 14 April2009
Petition: 173
Subject: the moral
responsibility and honourable obligations of Japan
Excellency,
The recent London G 20 conference was an experience never to forget. The 19 countries and the EU attending tried to find a solution for the world recession. No one was to blame, all attending were focused on a solution. Lots of politics took place in the corridors. To the world politicians were demonstrating their will and their need for change under the pretext it would never happen again. Sadly hardly any discussion took place on that other world recession: the need to accept moral responsibility and honourable resolve to rectify wrong doings of the past. Politicians cannot be bothered with these issues at this time of crises. This common explanation for ignoring these issues of moral responsibility and honorable settlement is not acceptable even if the world is in crises.
Many publications, films and exhibitions show time and again Japan’s total lack of consideration of its moral obligations stemming from the cruel and unnecessary behaviour of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Pacific War in Asia. In the name of the Emperor South East Asia was terrorized and kept as a colony for the glory of Japan. Now nearly 65 years later Japan still refuses to accept its moral responsibilities to the victims of the past terror. Apologies by Prime Ministers present and past, without parliamentarian approval and reparations, are meaningless and an insult to victims.
The G 20 gave you the opportunity to acknowledge the need to reconsider the historic reasons how Japan became the second economic power in the world and why every one now applauds the rise of China to the detriment of Japan. It would have been a very smart move to put Japan in a more acceptable position if it had acknowledged its moral obligation and had made the suggestion that it would make available funds for the individual victims of the past.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 10 March 2009
Petition: 172
Subject:
acknowledge the moral obligations of Japan
Excellency,
In petition 171: “Japan show your war responsibility” the suggestion is that you come forward with a plan in which you show your acceptance of your responsibility for the past, and invest in the future of the Dutch export market by compensating the Dutch war victims. All this of course on behalf of Japan and its people.
Since that petition you have visited the United States of America. During this visit you requested the new American President Barack Obama to be aware of the need to resolve major issues such as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and the abductions. In mentioning the abductions you sadly “forgot” to mention Japan’s moral obligations regarding the Japanese Imperial Army’s misconduct during World War Two. It is too simple to cry wolf about abductions and in the same breath forgetting what the Japanese soldiers did in name of the Japanese Emperor to the people of South Asia. We are sure that the American President is not forgetting Japans’ violations against human rights, medical experiments ( unit 731), the (sexual and labour) enslavement of millions, the deliberate systems of starvation, denying medicine and terrorizing prisoners of war and civilians in concentration camps; and the discrimination of the Dutch in Dutch East Indies with the intent to eliminate them. It shows the inherent weakness of your arguments in seeking the American President’s attention, and additionally demonstrates the total lack of sensitivity on your part in denying Japan’s responsibility for its World War Two history.
Prime Minister,
The industrial position of Japan is deteriorating fast and needs to be improved quickly avoiding mass unemployment. Japan still has the resources to stimulate its exports to Europe and the United States soon. You will have to introduce a supplementary budget in order to secure employment and save the Japanese economy. It would show considerable statesmanship on your part to include a passage in the supplementary budget acknowledging Japans moral obligations stemming from World War Two and to come to terms with the Dutch from Dutch East Indies. Such a gesture would be an appropriate contribution in the celebration of 400 years of trade relations between the Netherlands and Japan.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 10 February 2009
Petition: 171
Subject: Japan
show your war responsibility.
Excellency,
Japan is still, despite the global economic and financial difficulties, the second largest economic power in the world. Japanese initiatives or creative ideas should help the world and in particular Asia to overcome the present difficult times. In spite of your speech in Davos it appears that Japan is absent in the global debate and lacks leadership, paralyzed by bureaucratic indeciveness, avoiding responsibility and dumbstruck by political and internal disagreements. As a close follower of Japan we are amazed that Japan does not take a more innovative approach in solving the global problems, having learned from its earlier experiences in its own financial markets.
The explanation may be that Japan had it too easy, following the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951, in becoming the second world economic power under the protection of the United States. Nations do not forget in hard times how and why others are better off and subsequently expect from the better off that they initiate plans for others as well as for themselves. Now the time has come for Japan to show its position as an economic power by stimulating foreign economies through investing in goodwill and hardware.
The regime change in the United States is a good example of that. President Obama made it clear that history counts in considering the future. Recognize the past and accept moral responsibility for the wrongdoings in that past. His father was denied eating in a restaurant; his son is now president of the United States. Japan could do likewise in recognizing the wrongdoings by the Japanese Imperial Army to the Dutch in former Dutch East Indies during World War Two; offer a genuine apology compensating the victims for their uncalled for sufferings during the celebration the 400 year Japan-Dutch trade relations later this year.
Prime Minister,
Come forward with a plan in which you show your acceptance of your responsibility for the past and invest in the future of the Dutch export market by compensating the Dutch war victims.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 13 January 2009
Petition: 170
Subject: Japan
won’t forget “the error of militarism” 2
Excellency,
On behalf of the board and the members of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts we wish you and your country a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Economic conditions are globally harsh and governments jointly or separately are trying very hard to reduce the impact of the growing recession on individuals. The reduction of global trade is inevitably affecting exports. Promoting exports is now more critical than ever, gaining sympathy for one’s goods and services being ever more. The choice for Japanese products is no longer dictated just by price and quality, but also by the image of Japan in the hearts and minds of the purchaser. That image in the Netherlands as a major importer of Japanese goods and services is not good as long as Japan does not recognize that it has a moral responsibility to the Dutch from Dutch East Indies.
Prime Minister,
In our petition number 158 we welcomed your predecessor his Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA’s University of Peking’s statement: “Japan won’t forget the error of militarism” as a very good New Years’ intention. Unfortunately none of his intentions resulted in coming to terms with recent history. Moral obligations stemming from history should not be pushed aside because of economic circumstances.
Your government intends to celebrate 400 years of trade relations with the Dutch later this year. A golden opportunity for you and your government not only to reflect on trade, but also on the crimes which the Imperial Japanese Army inflicted on the Dutch during the occupation of Dutch East Indies during World War Two.
Our wish for 2009 is that Japan and its politicians accept Japan’s moral responsibility and come to terms with the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts in agreeing genuine apologies with an appropriate remedy for the sufferings of the Dutch victims and that you share this wish wholeheartedly.
As always and in this instance in particular we would like to receive an acknowledgement of receipt of this petition personally addressed to you.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 9 December 2008
Petition: 169
Subject: Japan’s
future?
Excellency,
The year 2008 is ending rapidly. A year in which it has been very clear that one cannot forget the past in order to plan for the future. You took over as Prime Minister of Japan at a time of very worrying circumstances for Japan and the world. The financial crises and credit crunch has hit us all very hard indeed. Nevertheless history should not be forgotten and certainly moral obligations stemming from history should not be pushed aside because of economic circumstances. In taking into account the financial consequences of moral obligations it would indeed be an honor to fulfill these in hard times. In my previous petitions I made suggestions to that effect in combining the 400 years celebration of Dutch-Japanese trade relations later next year with a generous gesture by Japan.
Prime Minister,
A much respected Dutch journalist Mr. Hans van der Lugt, former correspondent for the NRC-Handelsblad in Tokyo, wrote an opinion on Japan in his paper which worries many of us. The title “Undemocratic Japan sinks slowly” with the subtitle: “Conservative leaders lack a futuristic vision and prefer to talk about the rich Japanese traditions” underlines our concern. That tradition includes the glorification and glamorization of Japan’s military activities during World War II and halt to the democratic process. After hearing the true stories of conduct by the Japanese military in occupied territories, it is no wonder that the Japanese youth object to the old elitist views on tradition. It is essential for Japan and its neighbours that Japan comes to terms with its past. The recent motion by the Dutch House of Commons calling on the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs to continue to pressure the Japanese government to adhere to its earlier requests signals the need for change. I hope that you have the vision and the courage to move Japan in understanding its moral obligations, so that Japan will be accepted in the future by not only its neighbours but by Europe and the United States also.
We are looking forward to your early reply.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 11 November 2008
Petition: 168
Subject:
Japan’s honour and respect for the Dutch from the former
Dutch East Indies.
Excellency,
In my previous petition I mentioned that one should learn from the past in viewing the future. Shortly after the Foreign Ministers Meeting of his Excellency Minister Hirofumi Nakasone with his Excellency Minister Dr. Maxime Verhagen on October 27 commemorating the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations the Air Self Defense Force Chief General Toshi Tamogami upset many of us with his inappropriate essay. We welcome his Excellency Defense Minister Yasukaza Hamada’s quick resolve in dismissing the general with the statement that the general’s opinion is not the government’s position on the subject. Nevertheless the incident underlines our continued request for informing the people of Japan of the historic truth of the Pacific war, however painful it may be for Japan’s military establishment.
Prime Minister
During the Foreign Ministers Meeting a number of points have been raised. Among which the issue of the comfort women is important, as it would indicate how your government would deal with former Prime Minister Abe’s unacceptable views. The reiteration of the 1993 statement by the then Chief Cabinet Secretary is not sufficient. In the interest of Japan you can improve on that.
Japan and the Netherlands, including the former Dutch East Indies, have been traders for many centuries. The four years of Japanese occupation of former Dutch East Indies are not to be forgotten however. It would be fitting if during Minister-President Jan-Peter Balkenende’s forthcoming visit to Japan, marking 400 years of trade relations, a final solution is forthcoming with regards to the Dutch from the former Dutch East-Indies. Such a solution must include a direct apology from the Japanese people represented in the Diet, to each surviving Dutch and their next of kin, additionally a generous gift expressing the sincerity of the apology, as well as a true and historic description of the pacific war including in particular the Japanese occupation of Dutch East-Indies and as such to be an obligatory subject for students. These actions will allow our long and historic relationship to return to a full and worthwhile basis and send an important message to the world.
Settling the Honorary Debts in the spirit of your grandfather’s intentions would not only be good for Japan now and the future, underscoring the Dutch-Japanse trade relations, but would also be an honour for you personally. We would welcome a discussion on this matter prior to Minister-President’s Jan-Peter Balkenende’s forthcoming visit, with the aim of finding a pragmatic Asian/Dutch solution.
We are looking forward to your early reply.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Taro ASO
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 14 October 2008
Petition: 167
Subject: The
YOSHIDA-STIKKER protocol of 1956 revisited.
Excellency,
Your Grandfather, Prime Minister Shigura YOSHIDA, extended his sympathy and regret for the sufferings of Dutch nationals in an exchange of letters with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands Dirk. U. STIKKER. These letters were confirmed in 1956 in a Protocol named after your Grandfather and Mr. STIKKER. In the discussions leading to the exchange of the letters Japan emphasized that that they could ill afford paying more than a US$ 10.000.000 solatium. On the basis of the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty and the hard work of Japan and its people, Japan became the second economic power in the world. It follows that Japan, despite the present global financial troubles, can now afford an additional payment to the very meager solatium the Dutch nationals in 1956 received. Such an additional payment will not only show that the original solatium was what Japan genuinely could afford at the time, but also that Japan learned from its past by revisiting the circumstances in which the solatium was established. The adjustment acknowledges the sufferings endured and would underline Japan’s publicly stated human rights policy. It would be fitting for you as grandson to step into the footsteps of your grandfather, to revisit his ideals and sincerity, by completing his work in reestablishing Japan as a genuine partner now and for the future.
We are looking forward to your early reply.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime Minister of Japan
Hague, 9 September 2008
Petition: 166
Subject: An apology
that lacks genuine regret can do more harm than good.
Excellency,
The Dutch Minister Ms. Bussemaker, in her speech during the remembrance and celebration of the capitulation of Japan 15 August 1945, suggested looking to the future, but not forgetting the past. In looking towards the future those who must not be forgotten are those who fell victim to the Japanese occupation of Dutch East Indies during World War II. Today their children and other relations will remember their indignation that no genuine apology by the people of Japan was ever made to them. The fight will continue to gain respect and reparation for their parents and in memory of the past.
On behalf of those who died it pains me, that Japan is not forthcoming with a genuine apology supported by the Japanese people. As you know an apology that lacks genuine regret can do more harm than good. As long as the Japanese people are not given the opportunity to express their genuine regrets and vote for reparations Ms. Bussemakers’ suggestion of looking to the future can not be followed by the victims still alive, by the surviving relatives nor the people of The Netherlands.
Prime Minister
Japan’s younger people are embarrassed by the views of the elderly in not acknowledging history when told about the Japanese Imperial Army’s conduct during the occupation of Dutch East Indies. Many blame lack of history teaching and their (grand) parent’s fear of losing face in admitting what happened. For you as a surviving war child it must pain you too that so many consider Japan’s failure not to recognize its moral duties stems from a deliberate policy of not educating the students of today about Japan’s World War II history. The importance in knowing one’s history in shaping one’s future is more apparent than ever in the global environment of today. We had hoped as part of the celebrations of 150 years diplomatic relations that you would be able to find an opportunity to discuss this personally with us. With regret we learned of your decision to resign as Prime Minister of Japan. Naturally we respect this decision; nevertheless you may wish to consider a discussion with us in putting the historic facts in perspective. If you find this not desirable we wish you well for the future and kindly request that you pass on this petition to your successor.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime
Minister of Japan
The Hague, 12 August 2008
Petition:
165
Subject: Do the Japanese people know their World War Two
history?
Excellency,
Frequently we have pointed
out that the average person in Japan does not know their history
of World War Two. One of our supporting members recently came
across a particularly curious situation which supports again our
view that Japan’s history books deliberately avoid
mentioning what really happened in the occupied territories. Of
all things a person who claimed to have read history said that
Japan did not go to war in Asia, but that the Americans and the
Europeans did! Our member disagreed and asked this person to write
down in Japanese characters “Pay your Debts.” After
much discussion the history teacher wrote a long sentence of some
40 characters.
The history teacher guided a tour of Japanese
war-veterans and their wives. One of them approached our member
and asked “Indonesia?” Our member wished the veteran
and his wife in English a joyful journey to which the veteran
replied “I am 85 years old and this our first tour to
Europe. I heard your request and story. The young people of Japan
do not know what really happened during World War Two. I am
ashamed, but our government is responsible.” He and his wife
were in tears and left the church they were visiting clearing
ashamed.
Some time later our member met two Japanese engineers
and he showed them what the history teacher wrote in Japanese.
They translated what he wrote: “I meet a Dutchman who still
believes that Japan went to war to against the Netherlands from
1942 till 1945 in Indonesia. Furthermore he wants to claim damages
from the Japanese government. I think that he has taken leave of
his senses.” The engineers laughed somewhat and explained
hardly any one knows what happened during that period. Only
war-veterans know and they keep their mouths shut. The engineers
said they did not learn much during their studies about recent
history. A pity because during their global travels they encounter
many a time questions which they could not answer. As
intellectuals they said, they were ashamed.
Prime
Minister
The Japanese Embassy in The Hague spends considerable
time and effort in organizing so called compassion journeys to
Japan. The Foundation organized these in the past in close
cooperation with the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Because the considerable budget cuts and changes in format we
declined to continue the organization of these journeys. Would it
not be better now to spend these savings in educating the Japanese
people about what really happened? We have some projects which
might fall in this category. It remains to us most strange that
Japan, even today, is so frightened of facing the truth.
On
behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F.
van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime
Minister of Japan
The Hague, 8 July 2008
Petition:
164
Subject: atonement
Excellency,
In your high position as Prime Minister of Japan you will be receiving many requests and petitions for good causes. Many concerning subjects you have visited before and feel that you should act upon. Time and circumstances however prevent you from acting personally and you have to pass the request, often reluctantly, on to colleagues and your staff. The same happens to our petitions with the prime message of atonement.
Your predecessors have tried to express their personal feelings on behalf of Japan, but unfortunately failed to impress the victims of Japanese military conduct during World War II.. The main reason why they failed was the way the personal feelings were expressed; they were cheap, political and lacked sincerity.
Each week too I receive letters, telephone calls and other forms of communications from the victims. I try to soothe them. They are at the end of their lives and revisiting their past horrors at the hands of the Japanese military in prisoner of war camps, concentration camps, prisons, Kempeitai interrogation stations, or outside the camps. It hurts them every day and especially night that Japan ignores the facts and the crimes conducted by its military during World War II. But also that due to the lack of Japans’ recognition and admission the world seem to have forgotten these horrors and accept willingly the socalled commercial loans without asking about Japans’ past and its efforts to redress.
Prime Minister
It is 66 years ago that Japan invaded the Dutch East Indies to “secure” the supplies of oil and other commodities. Whether Japan benefited from it is questionable, but that it left the country in tatters and its inhabitants in misery is certain. In particular the Dutch who lost all. Many of them lost their lives, many their savings and household effects, many their future and above all their faith that the horrors endured were not neither punished nor compensated. Hence the request for a sincere atonement by the Japanese Prime Minister supported by the whole Diet in the same way as the Dutch government wholeheartedly supported the Dutch parliamentary motion on “Comfort Women.”
A wholehearted Japanese atonement is in essence what we require, the Japanese Honorary Debts. We are looking forward to discuss with you and your colleagues how to proceed to give this atonement to the elderly ( > 90 years) soothing them and above all giving them back their faith in mankind in particular the Japanese people of today.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime
Minister of Japan
The Hague, 9 June 2008
Petition:
163
Subject: morality
Excellency,
According to (newspaper) a proposal was made in the Diet by representative Mr. to compensate Korean war criminals, who lost their Japanese nationality. This initiative caused much anger and distress among the Dutch from Dutch East-Indies. Having suffered so badly by these socalled Hei Ho’s thugs it is understandable that we beg the question: can convicted war criminals be compensated by Japan? We find it incredible that such a proposal was even contemplated. Eventueel als bijlage een tekening of foto van Hei Ho’s met Nederlandse oorlogsslachtoffers.
Reflecting on the proposal however Japan acts out of self interest. At stake here is not only Japans’ self respect, but the acceptance of Japan as a humanitarian nation for its own people and its war victims as well. As such the proposal may concentrate the minds of the Diet representatives on the whole issue of redressing Japan’s war past and in particular Japans’ lack of good will in this matter. This would be a welcome outcome of a proposal which hurts us and shows disrespect of those who suffered most. It would establish that the Diet feel morally responsible for the failure to compensate war victims, issues appropriate legislation setting the individual compensation level at ¥ 3.000.000(€ 18.500).
Prime Minister
My very direct observation is the last war was lost by Japan and Japan continues to be blamed by the West for its atrocities including the Korean war criminals. It is fitting therefore that you prepare commercially Japan for its future in competition with other Asian nations. Thus holding on to the European and other Western markets. In not addressing the war’s past now Japan will miss out in this competition because of its unresolved past. It may be cynical that one has to consider in essence an unacceptable proposal to compensate convicted war criminals on humanitarian grounds by turning this proposal around in favor of all war victims. The proposal shows that contrary to denials by Japanese officials the moral aspect to war repairs is still alive in the Diet!
As suggested before the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts would welcome the opportunity to develop with you and your political friends a concept on humanitarian grounds resolving the whole dispute on war repairs to individual victims, thus Japan gaining the respect it lacks so badly.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime
Minister of Japan
The Hague, 13 May 2008
Petition:
162
Subject: morality
Excellency,
During lengthy discussions with your government’s representatives in The Hague we made it clear that, in our opinion, Japan has a moral duty in resolving our claims of “compensation.” The morality of this opinion is based on Japan’s conviction by Japan’s own Tokyo District Court in its verdict of 30 November 1998 :
“Members of the Japanese Imperial Army violated the Convention of The Hague. According to article 3 of that Convention Japan is liable to pay compensation.”
The claims of the individual plaintiffs were rejected however as, according to the Tokyo District Court, the Convention does not mention individuals. The plaintiffs appealed against this immoral and legally incorrect argument.
The Tokyo Appellate Court subsequently also upheld the District Court ruling that the Japanese Imperial Army had violated the Convention. The fact that the Japanese Government has accepted the violations of the Japanese Imperial Army only confirms Japan’s absolute moral obligations on this issue. In other cases the judges suggested that Japan should negotiate with plaintiffs.
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts has made, time and again, suggestions to sit down and try to find a solution which is honorable for Japan and its citizens, and also honorable for the victims whom the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts represent. Unfortunately these suggestions have not been accepted under the dishonorable excuse of the 1951 Peace Treaty.
Prime Minister,
In my previous petition I indicated that we still look to a final settlement resolving our differences.
I hope that you have instructed your Ambassador in The Hague to make arrangements so that in your term of office we are able to conclude an honorable and satisfactory redress of Japan’s past.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 8 April 2008
Petition: 161
Subject: acknowledgement of previous petitions
Excellency,
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts we are pleased with the letter of 11 March 2008 by your Ambassador in The Hague acknowledging on your behalf the receipt of our petitions. We presented to you and your predecessors 160 petitions over the last 15 years asking the Japanese government and its people to consider the war crimes of the Japanese military and to find a solution to pay respect to the Dutch victims who lost but all.
Acknowledging petitions is the beginning, taking note of their contents requires more.
My predecessors and I put considerable time and effort in these petitions in the hope that an ensuing dialogue, rather then confrontation, would result in resolving two fundamental issues:
1.acknowledgement and excuses by the Japanese people represented by the Diet,
2.compensation to the victims as a token of respect and remorse for the misconduct by the Japanese military against the Dutch Two in former Dutch East Indies during World War
These are not judicial issues, but are matters of honor and gallantry. Issues the Japanese people are quite rightly find of great importance. The statements by your predecessors are insufficient as these are not confirmed by the Diet. And, as your immediate predecessor so painfully proved not understood.
Prime Minister,
With respect to the so called legal settlement it is obvious that we disagree with that conclusion. The San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951 does not waive the crimes against humanity in accordance with the The Hague convention of 1907. No treaty can overrule this convention which was rectified by Japan long before the Pacific War and subsequently the start of World War Two. Let me repeat the specific article of the The Hague convention of 1907:
Article 3.a belligerent party which violates the provisions of the Regulations respecting the law and customs of war on land shall, if the case demands, be liable to pay compensation. It shall be responsible for all acts committed by persons forming part of its armed forces.
The Tokyo Appellate Court upheld the verdict that Japan violated the The Hague conventions and is thus liable to pay compensation. It did not however conclude that payments should be made to the victims as it considered that the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951 waived these. This is contrary to the United Nations’ view point in cases of Human Rights violation.
Japan as an active member of the International community, seeking a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, must adhere to the UN conventions. This includes Human Rights. These conventions make it very clear that Japan should retroactively compensate the victims of the Japan’s military brutality thus the Dutch from Dutch East Indies.
I suggest therefore considering these points when your Ambassador states that the claims have been legally settled, but morally Japan and its people remain responsible.
Nevertheless I appreciate that you instructed your Ambassador in The Hague to acknowledge our previous petitions and look forward to reaching a Final Settlement that takes into consideration the contends of all previous petitions.
We hope now most sincerely that our Foundation and the Japanese Government can seek a resolution of minds which then allows the Japanese people to stand with honour and dignity in this matter.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 11 March 2008
Petition: 160
Subject: personal appeal
Excellency,
Last Friday I commemorated and mourned my father in his centenary year. I knew him for only a very short time. He was executed brutally by the Japanese military for doing what all fathers do: protecting their family under all circumstances. In memory of him I thought about all those fathers and mothers’ protecting their children as is their parental duty, in particular in war time. I admire them. I wish I could say that to them: loud and clear what wonderful parents they were, but they are dead. At the same time I felt also that I had to tell others how it all came about. Why I have to try so very hard to find a solution in our strained relations with Japan and its people, as what happened during the war and the refusal to see the moral obligations towards the victims of that war.
Prime Minister,
You are yourself a war child too and I am sure that you experienced in the same way as I did, that helpless feeling that you could not support your mother, let alone your father or your brothers and sisters. It is in this context that I appeal to you personally: Let us try to find a solution to our mutual problem. It would be an honor and true respect towards our parents on both sides in finding such a solution.
Please do not hesitate to ask me and my fellow board members to come to Japan and see eye to eye how we can help you in resolving in what is becoming a genuine political and moral problem for Japan, especially in today’s world.
It is sad and dishonorable that we did not receive an acknowledgement of receipt by you of the previous petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 12 February 2008
Petition: 159
Subject: Markets depend on Morality.
Excellency,
In a way you admitted in Peking that Japan has a moral obligation to the victims of Japan’s criminal military past and the need not to forget this past, preventing mistakes in the future. Until now Japan has been denying this moral obligation, thus eroding Japan’s position in the world and losing momentum in the world economic markets. The Japanese economy enters a period of recession.
In the present economic crises many do not connect morality to markets. The markets are in tough global competition and decisions are made on price/quality and efficiency criteria. Morality belongs to the world of emotional values and style. At first sight there appears no common ground between morality and markets.
In perspective however the opposite is true. Human beings react automatically on what is good and what is bad. This emotional reaction is reflected in whom we trust, with whom we will continue to maintain a long relationship. Japan has in the eyes of the average European a poor reputation; Japanese companies in Europe must make heavy investments to remain acceptable. These investments will gain, in the competition with Chinese and Indian goods and services, much more respect if they are accompanied with Japans’ acceptance of the moral obligation to its past and to its war victims.
Prime Minister,
A partnership binding Japans’ morality towards the war victims and long term economic interests is the only way that Japanese companies and thus Japan can survive in the global competition. History shows time and again that in denying a nation its moral responsibilities that nation is doomed. You have the opportunity now in making such a partnership and repairing Japans’ criminal military past.
We did not receive an acknowledgement of receipt by you of the previous petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 8 January 2008
Petition: 158
Subject: Japan won’t forget “error of militarism”.
Excellency,
As a good New Year’s intention we appreciate your University of Peking’s statement “Japan won’t forget error of militarism”. We wish you and the Japanese people the wisdom and courage to make this year the turning point in understanding the past for a better future for Japans’ children and grandchildren. In your speech to the students of the Peking University you showed your understanding as to why Japan has a problem with its criminal military past and the need not to forget this past, preventing mistakes in the future.
One way in which you can demonstrate that your speech is sincere, is to consider ways and means of coming to terms with Japan’s moral responsibility in repairing past relationships. The Dutch from the former Dutch East Indies can not forget what happened to them, but understand Japan’s predicament in admitting shame regarding its militarism during World War Two.
Prime Minister,
In view of your outspoken speech in Peking and the recent parliamentary motions in The Netherlands, Canada and the United States of America we urge you to take a personal initiative and invite us to Tokyo to find a suitable solution to our mutual problem. In that way you will be able to show the world that Japan is partner to creating a peaceful and stable world for your and my children and grandchildren. The opportunity is there and we are able to bring about responsible reparation of the past taking into account our futures.
We did not receive an acknowledgement of receipt by you of the previous petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 11 December 2007
Petition: 157
Subject: Parliamentarian motions.
Excellency,
Japan seems to promote the idea of living in a world of make believe, but this attitude does not look good now for Japan. Japan cannot create a world of make believe. Policy makers like you must look at the daily reality. The parliaments of the United States, The Netherlands and Canada have urged in their motions their respective governments to point out to the Japanese government and its parliament that Japan must accept moral responsibility for the acts of the Japanese military during and before World War Two. This is a wake up call to the Japanese policymakers living in a world of make believe. It is a very serious matter supported unanimously by all parliamentarians, that Japan must redress it past now and not wait another 60 years. It is rarely that motions are passed unanimously and it is indicative of the mood and seriousness of the accusation that Japanese policy makers must take heed.
Prime Minister,
The parliamentary motions are clear and the respective governments will have to show their parliaments progress. We urge you to take courage and accept that Japan has a moral duty in respect of the war victims. Present the Kono statement to the Diet and obtain an unanimous vote on it and obtain a budget to pay compensation to the surviving war victims and their dependents. Japan is a rich country and can well afford to pay its Honorary Debts voluntary. The pressure from the parliaments is on and will continue until Japan has provided justice and pays respect to the individual victims. You must act now.
We did not receive an acknowledgement of the receipt by you of the previous petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 13 November 2007
Petition: 156
Subject: Dutch House of Commons motion urging Japan to acknowledge its responsibility in respect of former Comfort Women.
Excellency,
Today the Dutch House of Commons will be passing a motion requesting the Dutch government to urge the government of Japan emphatically:
to avoid any statement which devalues the sincere apology and remorse from 1993 and to take full responsibility for the involvement of the Japanese army in its system of enforced military sexual slavery,
to make in view of the pain and suffering endured an additional gesture to the surviving former Comfort Women by offering a direct moral respectively financial compensation (from public funds),
to ensure that all teaching materials in Japanese schools provide a factual picture of the Japanese involvement during World War II, including the fate of Comfort Women (had to endure under the military sexual slavery enforced by the Japanese military in occupied territories).
The Dutch House of Commons unanimously supports this motion. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has given his full support too and will carry out this motion when passed today.
Prime Minister,
The motion is not only a reaction to your predecessor’s unfortunate remarks and actions, it reflects also the feeling of many Dutch that Japan is evading and ignoring its responsibilities stemming from military actions during World War II. The Dutch are reminded again that the Japanese military systematically organized rape and forced into prostitution young girls, in fact children taken away by force from their mothers. They realize that Japan is not sincere in its apologies, regardless the diplomatic repairs made after your predecessors astonishing remarks that the unfortunate girls were volunteers and the provocative visits to the Yakusuni shrine. The Dutch public and politicians will no longer tolerate Japans’ evasions and denials. Japan is responsible and can not ignore the victims’ reasonable requests. On their behalf we demand apology and repairs for the victims of Japan’s terror and war crimes, not only for the Comfort Women but for all Dutch who suffered in Dutch East Indies during the Japanese occupation. Until Japan makes suitable repairs, celebrations of 150 years of diplomatic relations and 400 years of trade relations are meaningless and deceptive.
We did not receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of the previous petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F.
van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Yasuo FUKUDA
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 9 October 2007
Petition: 155
Subject: welcome
Excellency,
We welcome you as the new Prime Minister of Japan and congratulate you personally to this esteemed position.
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts advocates the moral obligation of Japan to apologize and to compensate the individual victims of Japan’s military occupation of the Dutch East Indies – now Indonesia. The Foundation represents around 90.000 registered claims many of whom are dead already. Nevertheless their heirs and those still alive are of the opinion that Japan is obligated morally as well as politically to consider these claims.
We are heartened by your remarks that “We need to create a society that gives security to the elderly and hope to the young.” The challenges facing us all have their base in what we did in the past. It is therefore essential to know one’s history in order to go forward in the future, resolving unfinished events of the past including Honorary Debts.
Prime Minister,
You witnessed war at a very young age and saw how the people of Japan suffered from the brutality and fear of war. In reflection you may have wondered how the victims of Japan’s military were suffering in concentration camps, labor camps or coerced as military comfort women in the occupied territories. Japan’s military behavior during World War II and later Japan’s post war policies in restoring respect, ignoring the consequences of committed war crimes, does not fit a nation wanting to become a permanent member of the Security Council of the United Nations.
As former Chief Cabinet Secretary you have witnessed the growing importance of Japan as an independent nation in Asia, but at the same time the genuine disgust of Japan’s handling of its war past. Contrary to Germany, Japan did very little to dispel this disgust. With your arrival as Prime Minister it may be possible to reconsider and come to terms with the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
We hope that we can resolve Japan’s past with its present generation.
Contrary to your predecessors we hope that you will acknowledge the receipt of this petition or alternatively tequest the Japanese Ambassador in The Hague to do so.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 11 September 2007
Petition: 154
Subject: forget and forgive
Excellency,
During the 15th of August National Remembrance of the Japanese capitulation in 1945 our famous Dutch actor Willem Nijholt told his story of suffering and pain in a Japanese concentration camp in the Dutch East-Indies during World War Two. His outcry: “How can I forget and forgive a nation that has not even asked for forgiveness” is shared by many of the surviving victims of the Japanese Holocaust present. This deep rooted feeling was expressed also by Mrs. Hamer-Monod de Froideville, former member of the board of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts, who said the Japanese word “SHAZAI” should be used in excuses by Japan for the Japanese military behaviour in former the Dutch Indies during World War Two, in particular to the women and girls who were forced to prostitute.
At the National Remembrance ceremony the top of the Dutch hierarchy was present. The Queen was represented by her Chief of the Military House. The Dutch Prime Minister laid a wreath, so did the chairpersons of the First and Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament, the commander of the Dutch Forces, many other authorities and directly related organizations such as the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts. They represent the Dutch people at large, who are convinced that Japan has not sincerely expressed its regrets and not asked forgiveness.
Prime Minister,
Repeatly denying Japanse Military involvement in the barbaric abduction of women and girls into forced prostitution and avoiding acceptance of Japan’s responsibility for the sexual and other forms of slavery during the occupation of former Dutch East Indies will not give the respect and place in the world which you feel Japan should have. As long as Japan does not ask for forgiveness and pays genuine respect to the victims it will be haunted by its Second World War crimes.
You have reshuffled your Cabinet in an effort to regain public trust and international esteem. The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts is a private Dutch organization, not politically motivated, but representing Dutch victims from Japanese Military crimes during World War II. On behalf of these victims we have suggested time and again that we should sit down and find a solution which satisfies the victims and which is commensurate with generally accepted policy. We hope that with your new Cabinet we will be able to open the dialogue soon.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 7 August 2007
Petition: 153
Subject: 15th August
Excellency,
In a week’s time, on the 15th of August, we will remember our parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends who died during Japan’s occupation of the Dutch East Indies during World War Two. Many of them died of starvation, deliberate ill treatment, torture and unjust executions. Those who survived are still suffering from the sights and their own ill treatment in the concentration camps and outside. They did not tell the world much about their sufferings; they had to get on with life destroyed by the Japanse Military and their aides. However the stories are now followed by scientific studies confirming the Japanese brutality. Even the United Nations publishes regularly reports on Japans behavior during World War Two.
Of the around 300,000 Dutch some 45,000 died in the concentration camps or outside, the prisons, the mines and railroad construction sites or at sea on the way to enslavement. The harsh reality was that being Dutch meant that you were displaced, an outlaw to be destroyed before the war would end.
Prime Minister,
Your former defense minister Mr. Fumio Kyuma was right and told the truth when he stated that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were inevitable and brought the war to its end. But because he told the truth in Japan he had to resign. The facts are that the Japanese Imperial Army was losing the war and could not hold on to the territories occupied. The Allied Forces were informed that military orders were issued to kill all prisoners of war on the invasion of occupied territories and of Japan. Japan refused to adhere to the Potsdam unconditional declaration, hoping for better terms despite the reference to the fate of the Nazis. The Allied Powers had to decide that the atomic bombings were necessary to stop the killing and save the lives of the prisoners of war, the Japanese civilians and the military on both sides. The unfortunate death of around 200,000 people by the bombings saved the lives of many millions. The reluctance of Japan to recognize in this day and age that the stubbornness of the Commanders of the Japanese Imperial Army caused the atomic bombings in the first place, is shocking. Japan’s history books should tell the same truth as your former minister so courageously put forward.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 10 July 2007
Petition: 152
Subject: Does Japan have the courage?
Excellency,
The House of American Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee passed resolution 121 overwhelmingly calling on the government of Japan to acknowledge and apologize for the treatment of those forced to become “Comfort Women” during World War Two. Chairman Lantos of the committee made it clear that resolution 121 is important. The Government of Japan’s unwillingness to offer a formal and unequivocal apology to the women forced to be sexual slaves in World War Two stands in stark contrast to its role in the world today. Japan’s unwillingness to honestly account for its past, is perplexing and disturbing to all who value the US-Japan relationship. Present apologies are not accepted by the international community as long as these are not fully subscribed by your National Parliament the Diet, as representatives of the Japanese people.
Mr. Lantos continued in stating: “The true strength of a nation is tested when it is forced to confront the darkest chapters in history. Will it have the courage to face up to the truth of its past, or will it hide from the truths in the desperate and foolish hope they will fade with time? Post war Germany made the right choice. Japan, on the other hand has actively promoted historical amnesia”.
Prime Minister,
Your offices appear to have still some goodwill left in the American House of Representatives as they ask your Government to offer a formal and unequivocal apology. The Canadian Parliament is considering a resolution that Japan pays up for its behavior during World War Two. Indeed the pressure on Japan will continue as the secret CIA and other American military files are being released and disclosed. It is time to reconsider and show courage.
The Board of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts is ready to come to the table and discuss with you possible honorable solutions to Japan’s shame. I repeat, therefore, show that Japan cares and wants to redress its past. Reach out and bother!
Looking forward to your reply,
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo
ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 12 June 2007
Petition:
151
Subject: Does Japan care?
Excellency,
The Japanese people will be voting soon. In a democratic society voters will consider the present government on material and immaterial matters. Since you took office in September 2006 we have seen that Japan and the world is looking to the future but not forgetting the past. Environmental pollution and human rights violation are matters which should have been solved in the past. But governments and institutions failed to recognize this. In elections candidates have to address these failures.
In this context you must take seriously the United Nations Committee Against Torture recent accusation of Japan trying to whitewash its past practice of forcing women to become sex slaves for Japanese Imperial army soldiers. A simple apology or reference to past policy will no longer suffice. A new initiative that Japan cares is the least you can do. An apology with an individual compensation supported by the Diet to all victims (or their surviving immediate heirs) of Japanse brutality during World War Two is long overdue.
Prime Minister
I believe that the human race is dedicated to care. Not every one does it, but that does not mean that one should not do it. I believe that Japan cares for her people, her elderly and her children. I believe that Japan wants honestly to redress its past. Make it clear in the forthcoming election that you believe it also.
Material considerations matter in Japan. Show that Japan cares and wants to redress its past. Take courage and invite us to review our future relationship now.
Looking forward to your reply,
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime
Minister of Japan
The Hague, 8 May 2007
Petition:
150
Subject: Take courage and admit responsibility.
Excellency,
During your visit to the United States you must have learned how strong the resentment is to Japan’s refusal to acknowledge the bad behaviour of it’s military during World War Two. It is not sufficient as Prime Minister to express your remorse and sympathy for former comfort women who had to go through hardship. It is essential that you make Japan acknowledge the Japanese military’s war time sex exploitation of women and other crimes. It is time that Japan takes full responsibility for the crimes, compensating the victims.
The inhume nature of the crimes committed are time and again confirmed in the courts. Victims were forced to have sex with Japanese soldiers, starved in concentration camps or brought to Japan as slaves to work in mines. Some were treated as guinea pigs in laboratories and made to endure germ warfare experiments. All surviving, but aging victims suffer from traumas and physical pain. Japanese courts recognize all these crimes against humanity, but claim international treaties as having dealt with individual compensation.
Prime Minister,
Detachment is the biggest tragedy of human kind, show you care. From a purely humanitarian standpoint it is now the time to take courage and take the initiative:
show your personal remorse and sympathy by introducing legislation into the Diet acknowledging the military crimes and compensating the victims,
show the people of Japan that the Asian Women’s Fund was Japans’ first attempt to compensate the individual victims of the Japanese military, but failed to do so as the monies came from private individuals and not from the government,
show the world that Japan accepts its responsibility in full by compensating the military victims of World War Two.
Prime Minister,
In 149 petitions we have put forward our requests to consider Japans’ moral responsibility. All petitions have been ignored and not acknowledged. You have the opportunity to make this 150th petition worthwhile.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime
Minister of Japan
The Hague, 10 April 2007
Petition:
149
Subject: Reconciliation.
Excellency,
You apologized as Prime Minister, realizing that you could not deviate from the commitments made by your predecessors. The way in which you renewed the apology did not show the sincerity and deep remorse of your predecessors however. The combined outcry of the world and in particular the immediate neighbours of Japan and The Netherlands made you to renew the apology, but I am afraid that Japan did not learn from it.
If and when Japan really wants to leave its dark past and improve relations it must accept that an apology is only meaningful with an appropriate compensation. We differ in opinion on this subject with your Ambassador in The Hague. It is not a legal obligation, but a moral commitment to improve relations and to accept responsibility for what the Japanese Military did in the occupied territories during World War Two. The consequences of this will have to be paid for by Japan ultimately.
As said before we should sit down with your representatives to review all possibilities in resolving our dispute, bridging the gap between Japanese traditions and pride and Dutch feelings and a genuine need for a final reconciliation between us.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime
Minister of Japan
The Hague, 13 March 2007
Petition:
148
Subject: Denying forced sexual slavery.
Excellency,
In Germany denying the Holocaust is a criminal offence liable to punishment.
Denying that the Japanese Military systematically forced women into prostitution during World War Two is apparently the new Japanese policy. All the apologies and expressions of regret by your predecessors are thus to be considered as meaningless and false.
How can you deny the Japanese documents released in 1992, how can you deny the testimonies of the victims, the soldiers and the doctors, how can you deny the official United Nations reports?
There is only one explanation: you are afraid it is true and dare not face the consequences.
The proposed resolution in the American House of Representatives makes it clear that the Americans among many other nations demand a sincere apology from Japan.
By denying the Japanese Military’s direct involvement in forcing women into prostitution shows once again that Japan’s apologies and so called sincerity are worthless. We regret this most sincerely and would ask, indeed demand, that you change your position.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 13 February
2007
Petition: 147
Subject: Remember the past in considering
the future.
Excellency,
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts is very concerned about the suggestions that the new Japanese Ministry of Defense is considering nuclear weapons. Please remember the past in considering the future.
Prime Minister
The atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were to end the Second World War in the Pacific. The horrors of these bombs have been a deterrent for many years. The fear that North Korea might develop nuclear bombs has evoked the discussion in Japan to arm the Japanese Military with nuclear power. This would be very unwise and start a nuclear arms race. It is far better to consider the reasoning of the nuclear threat of North Korea. These lie in the past and have to do with the refusal of Japan to reconcile with Korea the horrors of the Japanese Military during its occupation of Korea.
Open up the dialogue and come to terms with world wide victims of the Japanese Military instead of spending billions on a nuclear deterrent.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 9 January 2007
Petition:
146
Subject: Domestic law.
Excellency,
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts we wish you and your country a Happy and Prosperous New Year. A New Year in which we can come together and open an earnest dialogue and resolve our problems with the Japan of today and settle our past.
Prime Minister
Last year in Parliament you dismissed the idea that Japanese leaders during World War II were “war criminals”. You are quoted to have said: “The people who are said to be so called Class-A criminals were tried and convicted as war criminals at the Tokyo tribunal, but were not war criminals under domestic laws. That also was the case for my relative, my grandfather.” Your referral to the domestic law as the requisite terms of reference for conviction and sentencing brings our case into another perspective, namely that no reference should thus be made to the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951.
The 8 individuals supported by our Foundation accused Japan in its own courts and under Japanese law of having violated the human rights convention of The Hague of 1907. Japan was convicted and was thus liable to pay damages. It was only because of the San Francisco Peace Treaty that the Japanese courts waived the claims. Applying your own argument to this outcome it appears that we have a basis for our dialogue. Japan would not want to leave a conviction in its own domestic courts and laws on Human Rights grounds unresolved.
Looking forward to your reply,
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President