TARAWA VICTIMS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 250, 21 October 1944, Page 6

TARAWA VICTIMS

MR. FRASER'S TRIBUTE

COAST WATCHERS' BRAVERY

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, this day. An explanation of the long interval between the discovery of the massacre of seventeen New Zealand soldiers and five other Europeans on the island of Tarawa csee story on page 4) and the publication of the facts surrounding the atrocity, was explained by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, to-day.

"The outrage," said Mr. Fraser. "occurred on October 15, 1942, following a bombardment of the island on the afternoon of that day by United States warships and United States aircraft. The fate of the men was not discovered until after the capture of the Gilberts by United States forces in December last, and it was not until some time later than the facts were established beyond reasonable doubt.

"These circumstances, together with certain discussions which have been taking place with other Allied Governments, explain the long interval which has elapsed between the occurrence and the publication of the details. The next-of-kin of the men concerned were, however, acquainted with the position as soon as the fate of their relatives was definitely determined.

Seven P. and T. Volunteers "Seven of tne New Zealand personnel were officers of the Post and Telegraph Department,' all young men, who, early in 194 i, had volunteered for service in the c<)ast watching organisation in the Pacific islands. The remaining 10 New Zealanders were army personnel, who had volunteered to assist in coast watching duties, and to keep the Post and Telegraph officers company in the remote islands in which they were situated, very few of which had any regular white inhabitants.

"The occupation of the Gilbert Group by the Japanese commenced in December, 1941, immediately following the outbreak of war in the Pacific. The three northern islands of the group—Little Makin, Butaritari and Abaiang—were then seized by the Japanese, and three Post and Telegraph officers and four soldiers who were , serving there were taken prisoner and removed from the colony. According to reports received they are safe, but it is not known where they are detained. — presumably in Japan. The remaining 17 personnel were serving in the lower islands of the Gilbert Group, which were occupied by the Japanese in September, 1942.

"Following the recapture of the Gilberts by United States forces investigations were made by the Resident Commissioner of the Gilbert and Ellice Group. These disclose that, immediately following their capture in September, 1942, the Europeans were all removed to Tarawa, .and that on arrival there they were kept outside the quarters occupied by the Japanese commandant with their hands tied and secured to coconut trees for a period of up to three or even four days awaiting examination by the Japanese commandant.

"They were then confirted at Tarawa Central Hospital in the enclosure which was previously used for the detention of native lunatics.

. "On the afternoon of October 15, 1942, the island was bombarded by a United States warship and United States aircraft, and on the evening of that day the 22 Europeans were beheaded or otherwise killed by the Japanese.

"I am sure that every citizei\ of this Dominion will join with the Government in expressing sincere sympathy to the relatives of those men who were so foully murdered by the Japanese.

"No Tribute Too High" "No tribute to their courage and their devotion to duty is too high. Notwithstanding the danger to which they were exposed following the outbreak of the war with Japan, they all remained at their posts and continued to send reports of enem> movements. Up to the time that they were captured the information which they gave of enemy activities in the group was of the utmost value, since it enabled the Service authorities to dispose to the best advantage the naval and air forces available in the Pacific in 1942 to arrest the progress of the Japanese who were then moving south.

"The evidence of natives and others, gathered since the re-occupa-tion of the group, pays eloquent tribute to the bravery of all the coast watchers. Particular mention is made of A. L. Taylor and T. C. Murray, who, at the time of the Japanese occupation, were serving on Beru.

"These two men abandoned their intention of escaping on learning that the Japanese had threatened the natives with reprisals if they should leave the island. These men all discharged their duties with courage, and met an untimely death with fortitude. Their example of duty and the knowledge of their fate should inspire all New Zealanders to do everything they can to end this war as quickly as possible and to ensure that in this area of the world the Japanese shall not again be permitted to practise their barbarities on peace-loving peoples. "No effort will be spared to identify, if this is possible, the criminals who were responsible for this outrage, and, if they can be found, they will be fully and suitably punished. This atrocity is but one more in the grim list for which Japan will be called to accost.