STERN WARNING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25673, 23 October 1944, Page 5

STERN WARNING

TREATMENT OF PRISONERS ENEMY’S RESPONSIBILITY (Rec. 10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 21. General MacArthur has issued the following warning to Field-marshal Terauchi: "The surrender*of United States and Philippine forces in previous campaigns was made with the belief that they would receive the dignity, ■honour, and protection of military prisoners as provided by the rules and customs of war. Since then unimpeachable evidence has been received of the degradation, even brutality, to which these prisoners have been subjected in violation of the most sacred code of martial honour. For these actions the Japanese Government will be responsible to my Government. As commander-in-chief of the ground forces in the Philippines, I shall, in addition, during the course of the present campaign hold the Japanese military leaders immediately responsible for any failure to accord military or civilian prisoners and civilian internees the proper treatment to which they are entitled.”

Broadcasting over the Voice of Freedom Radio on Leyte Island, General MacArthur said: “ This is General MacArthur speaking to the people of the Philippines. I have returned by the grace of Almighty God. Our forces stand again on Philippine soil —soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come dedicated and committed to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy control over your daily lives, and restoring upon a foundation of indestructible strength the liberties of your people. “At my side is President Sergio Osmena, worthy successor to that great patriot, Manuel Quezon, with the members of his Cabinet. Your Government is now firmly re-established on Philippine .soil. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving, resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history. “ I now call upon you for a supreme effort, that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without. Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on as the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations. Rise and strike at every favourable opportunity for your homes and hearts. Strike for the future generations of your sons and daughters. Strike in the nartje of your sacred dead. Let no heatt be faint; let every arm be steeled. The guidance of Divine God points the way. Follow in His name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory.”