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"As far as our unit is concerned, it is an excellent idea to use them for suitable work; however) because there has been no word from higher command, I do not like to bear any troublesome responsibility. I have the confidence to assume the responsibility of providing for theme but I cannot assume the rest. Is that satisfactory with you?"
"Yes, it is perfect".
After this reply, I decided to keep them temporarily until I received orders from my direct superior in the Navy. (The result was that I did not receive any orders at all.)
- Besides my unit at this time, there was a 12-cm dual purpose gun company, commanded by Lieutenant (s.g.) MIYAKE ( ) of the Navy, on this island. In addition, a 12-cm. dual purpose gun com-pany, commanded by Lieutenant (s.g.)KANEHARA ( ) (TN Maybe read KANAHARA or KIMBARA) of the Navy; a 8-cm. dual purpose gun company, commanded by Lieutenant (j.g.) TAKAHASHI ( ) of the Navy, and one of 13-mm. antiair machine platoon (might have been one platoon) were expected on the island. However, with the exception of MIYAKE’s company the others had not advanced as yet. Furthermore, there was an understanding from the army unit that we were to await the arrival of troops from the homeland on EREBENTA ( ) on BOUGAINVILLE Island and that the strength would be about two battalions, which, upon arrival at the said island, were to assist mainly in the construction of the airfield.
- As mentioned above, we were unexpectedly forced to accept approximately 500 prisoners. We were glad to receive the benefits of a comparatively large working strength at a time of manpower shortage; but as far as I was concerned, it was beyond my expectation. The disposition of this matter was a problem because there was no order nor instruction and because I had no experience.
I will now speak in greater detail of my predicament. I was originally an engineering officer, having graduated from the Navy Engineering School, and as a member of the first reserve, I was called into service. In the Japanese Navy of the past, unquestioning obedience to orders was strictly enforced, In areas where there were so-called line officers who were graduates of naval academies, the engineering officers had no authority to issue orders on general military affairs, My authority was limited to matters pertaining to the construction of airfields, and the fact was that I was able to command my construction unit only under direct command of my superior officer. (On 15 Nov 42 the title of Engineer was eliminated and I was promoted from engineer lieutenant to nava 1 lieutenant-commander.) In other words, with the exception of airport construction operations on this island, I was completely under the command of Lieutenant (seg.) KANEHARA (Lieutenant (j.g.) TAKAHASHI in the event of KANEHARAls death) ingeneral military matters. However, Lieutenant (s.g.) MIYAKE, being a special duty officer, especially promoted from the rank of sailor, had no authority over me.
- Thereafter, for reasons of efficiency, the responsibility of handling prisoners was delegated as follows.
- The Army guards, who escorted the prisoners from RABAUL, were to be responsible for all duties of command and supervision of the prisoners.
- The commanding officer of the two army battalions scheduled to arrive from EREBENTA was to command the afor mentioned guard detail.
- My unit was given the responsibility of supplying food, medical supplies and billeting equipment. The reason for this was that, except for my unit, the navy and the army units were very short of these materials. (The army had nothing). My unit had more or less, ample stocks of living necessities. This supply problem was not confined to the prisoners along. It was decided that my unit should be responsible for supplying all army and native units.
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