O) Repatriation

Repatriation

The principal subjects of conversation amongst internees were: “Food”’ “When do you think this will be over?” and “Repatriation”. Almost daily representations were made to the Japanese Camp Headquarters about the poorness and inadequate quantity of the rations. The second question soon became tiresome: one man’s guess was as good as another’s. “Repatriation” was dangled before our noses like carrots before a donkey.  It began with the majority of the American community getting away on exchange before six months had elapsed (except for a few who elected to remain on grounds of duty: R.C. priests mostly.) Later, the Canadians were exchanged. The Japanese seemed to take a delight in keeping the United Kingdom citizens on thorns. There is no doubt they hoped to arouse dissension amongst the Allies. Once, the stage was reached that lists of those who would be going were published on the notice boards, and from time to time all sorts of promises were made indicating that the question was still open.

But nothing was actually done. It was learned after release that an exchange of 1,500 people was under consideration and that 600 of these were to be from Stanley. The Japanese wanted to have included in their list 320 pearl fishers, many of them known to be ex-Naval Officers engaged in espionage before the War. General MacArthur objected to their inclusion, on the grounds that these men knew too much about the Australian coastline and harbours. As he was responsible for the defence of Australia the Commonwealth Authorities were disinclined to overrule him. Great efforts were made in London to secure our release, but differing views left us in durance vile.