FIRST SURRENDER OF JAPS EN MASSE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 147, 23 June 1945, Page 5

FIRST SURRENDER OF JAPS EN MASSE

OKINAWA CURTAIN

Atrocities By Yanks Not Now Believed VZ. Press Association—Copyright Rec. noon. NEW YORK, June 22. A number of Japanese officers and 1000 men* surrendered on Southern Okinawa to-day in the first mass capitulation by the enemy of the Pacific war, says the United Press Okinawa correspondent. Long lines of Japanese waving white flags streamed up the rocky Mabuni Ridge from caves and fortifications in a daylong procession. ~ - A Japanese, made prisoner yesterday, asked why he surrendered, replied: "The Americans' overwhelming equipment and fighting spirit are such that any Japanese who thinks Japan has a chance in this war is just a damned fool."

Those Japanese surrendering no longer believe the carefully planted tales of American atrocities. The men obviously believed as prisoners they would be safe for the first time in 82 days of hellish fighting. The Japanese grinned, borrowed cigarettes and took minor liberties with the guards. Some helped the Yanks spread word back to the resisting Japanese that they were being treated well.

Japanese propaganda, unfortunately, accomplished part of its purpose among the civilians. One native woman, on the approach of the Americans decapitated her two children. She had been told they would be tortured. She became hysterical with • grief when she learned from the other Okinawans of the excellent treatment they had received. • - •

The Stars and Stripes were form ally raised over Okinawa to-day.

Lieutenant-General Geiger, after paying a tribute to the late General Buckner, said: "I can't say too much for ..the naval gunfire, also close support by air power in covering us and dropping food and materials."

Americans with flamethrowers stormed a giant coastal cave near Mabuni, on the south-east coast to-day, says the United Press Okinawa correspondent. They were trying, to smoke out the Japanese commander. The ridge overlooking the cave is littered with enemy dead, including girls in uniform.