Japanese Military Administration in Indonesia: Selected Documents (1965)
A fascinating book of actual Japanese documents (that have been translated) relating to how they were going to govern the Indonesian areas that they had over-run. It's one thing to read about events in a book written by the victors of the war, and another to read things written by the other side.
The book is composed of a series of different documents, and I'll point out what I thought was the most interesting parts of the documents.
Principles Governing the Administration of Occupied Southern Areas, Nov. 20, 1941
”Occupation forces shall take measures to promote the acquisition and development of resources vital to national defense so far as military operations permit.”
This was, after all, one of the main reasons for the Japanese military effort, and that was to obtain natural resources that Japan, itself, did not have, and which were being blocked from them by the US and England.
”Economic hardships imposed upon native livelihood as a result of the acquisition of resources vital to the national defense and for the self-sufficiency of occupation troops must be endured and pacification measures against the natives shall stop at a point consistent with these objectives.”
In other words, the needs of the Japanese came first, the natives, second. Also, this shows the plans for the Japanese army basically to live off the land, if they could, taking whatever they needed from those already there.
”American, British, and Dutch nationals shall be induced to cooperate with the military administrations, and appropriate measures, such as deportation, shall be taken against recalcitrants.”
Which, of course, did not work at all. Deportation was not something widely done. Prisoner exchange was not something done more than a couple of times. The Japanese had no idea just how many British and Dutch people they would capture, and they weren't prepared for the numbers which is, in my opinion, one of the many reasons that their internment camps were generally rather brutal affairs.
”Native inhabitants shall be so guided as to induce a sense of trust in the Imperial forces, and premature encouragement of native independence movements shall be avoided.”
Which definitely was not the policy followed in China. The native peoples in the overrun countries often did, at first, welcome the Japanese as freeing them from colonial domination, but they soon found they had exchanged one master for another.
Central Agreement Between the Army and the Navy on the Military Administration of Occupied Areas, Nov. 26, 1941
The Japanese Army and the Navy did not get along at all, period. So it became necessary to divided conquered areas among the services to try to keep both groups satisfied.
The Army was to be put in charge of the following areas, with the Navy as a “subsidiary authority.” Hong Kong, Philippines, British Malaya, Sumatra, Java, British Borneo and Burma.
The Navy was to be in charge of the following ares, with the Army this time as the subsidiary authority. Dutch Borneo, Celebes, Molufccas, Lesser Sunds Islands, New Guinea, Bismarch Archipelago and Guam.
The Navy was to establish “operational bases” in the following areas under Army administration: Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Phenang, Surabaya, and Davao.
Outline on the Conduct of Military Administration in Occupied Areas, March 14, 1942, Confidential Secretariat Paper no. 3167, Ministry of the Navy.
”The former system of government shall generally be followed in the administration of occupied territories and military administrations shall adapt themselves to the customs, social organization, religion, and cultural level of the various areas.”
In theory, not a bad idea. It certainly was not put into common practice, though.
”The treatment of residents in areas under military administration shall be based on the following objectives: 1. Natives: measures shall be taken to reassure the natives as soon as possible. To this end, local customs, practices, and religions shall not be interfered with for the time being.”
In other words, leave things alone for now, but in the future we'll make whatever changes we want.
”Deportation and other appropriate measures shall be taken against American, British, Dutch, and other enemy nationals, excluding those who sincerely cooperate with our policies.”
Again, although this is part of the paper, it's not something that was followed.
”Strict discipline shall of course be exerted against anti-Japanese movements, and measures shall be taken to sever political ties among the Chinese residents of the various areas as well as between them and mainland China.”
There's also an interesting section about seizing “enemy property.” Property of American, British and Dutch “nationals shall be seized and utilized.”
Draft Plan on the Future status of Occupied Territories”, January 14, 1943.
”When considered suitable as Imperial territory, areas of strategic importance which must be secured by the Empire for the defense of Greater East Asia, as well as sparsely populated areas and regions, lacking the capacity for independence, shall be incorporated into the Empire.”
Areas could be granted their independence “if this is deemed advantageous to the prosecution of the Greater East Asia war and the establishment of Greater East Asia.”
On the Basic Objectives in establishing a New Economic Order for the People of Java ,1944.
Now this document is really interesting because it is an example of the strong anti-Jewish position of the Japanese government at the time.
”The governments and policies of the United States and Britain are controlled by Jews, and the Netherlands is a lackey of this American and British Jewry whose policies in encroaching on and dominating the billion people of Greater East Asia have always been to divide and create dissension. Through these means the peoples of Greater East Asia were weakened, kept discordant, easily taken advantage of, and, after several centuries, easily enslaved. Consequently, it must be stated that it is only natural that the Jews are the enemies of all Moslems. The present Greater East Asian was itself is aimed at Uniting Greater East Asia against these diabolical actions and seeks its liberation by eliminating mutual antagonisms and consolidating the total strength of the billion people of Greater East Asia.”
Apparently, the author (the Director of the General Affairs Department, Military Administration Headquarters, whoever he was), felt that there was some kind of plot on the part of Jews to control the US and other controls and through them to control Asia.
”We must stand upon this new economic philosophy, reorganize our economic life, exert all our strength, and defend ourselves against Jewish aggression, but should we then fail in destroying the enemy, the billion people of Asia will forever be the slaves of Jews and another opportunity for our liberation will never appear.”
Instructions of the Superintendent-general of Military Administration
”The acquisition of resources vital to national defense is obvious, but the various peoples must be guided so as to accept the Empire's policies and push forward toward the construction of Greater East Asia in harmonious unity.”
In other words, let's get all the countries on board as far as idea of a Greater East Asia goes with us, of course, at the top.
Circular Letter: Regulation Concerning “Spirit and Attitude”, Dec. 27, 1944
”When we meet a person of higher rank, on the street, at home, or in a room or at the office, as well as in other places, we must, as befits those of lower rank, first show our respect to the one of higher rank.”
This is a very basic principle of Japanese society, and that is ranking. Even the type of language used changes by whether or not the person you are talking to has a higher or a lower rank than do you. Bowing is done to almost all, but the depth of the bow and its length is also influence by the person's status you are meeting.
”During the greeting or when returning a greeting, we must not laugh, smoke, etc, but assume an energetic posture.”
”If we encounter a person of higher rank while running, we must at once slow down and then salute. It is forbidden to greet a person while running.”
We must at all times walk forcefully and courageously; we should look neither right nor left; we should not turn back, and we should not assume an attitude of fatigue.”
So this person was trying to tell other people how they were supposed to walk.
”When walking with a superior, we must not stay abreast of him, but remain slightly behind him and always walk on his left side.”
This was especially true for women who were always to walk just slightly behind their lord and master, their husband. I kind of like the next one:
”When walking one should not proceed like a laggard but take energetic steps.”
When was the last time you heard someone try to tell people exactly how to walk?
”When called by a superior, we must immediately answer with a “Hai.” We must quickly approach him, saying “Watakushii wa mairi mashita” (“Here I am already.”)
Hai is the Japanese word for yes, so you should make speed when a superior calls and say yes, here I am.
”When talking one must speak in a loud voice, not like a woman, and not squat.”
”In the office (at work) one is not allowed to sing or whistle.”
”It is not permitted to sit with one's mouth open, lest one be considered empty-headed.”
”In the office (at work) it is not permitted to read newspapers, books, or other writings that are not related to one's work.”
”At work (in the office) one should not discuss matters other than those which have bearing on the work.”
I know a department store that actually used to use that type of rule in the receiving dock area.
”When we have no work to do we must read regulations concerning our work.”
”In order to remain healthy at all times we must not eat and drink too much; one should keep to the normal.”
”We must bathe every day; female officials must wash their hair at set times and not use coconut oil as hair oil.”
”Before eating one should wash his hands.”
”After using the toilet one should wash his hands.”
The last two make lots of sense, of course, but I don't know what is wrong about using coconut oil as hair oil.
Suggestions on the Future Status of Java, 1943
The majority of the natives have been victims of the former Dutch regime's three-hundred-year policy of keeping them ignorant; as a result, their character and capacity can be called immature. Nevertheless, they formerly had a considerable culture and, if properly educated, will manifest their innate dignity...”
So the natives are basically pretty stupid and it's up to the Japanese to give them a proper education.
Items Concerning the Independence of Java and Other Areas, 1944, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
”In order to destroy the United States and Britain with their schemes for world domination and to attain the objectives of this Sacred War, the effective service of 100 million compatriots is obviously necessary, and success depends greatly upon the cooperation of the various peoples of Greater East Asia.”
This brings up the theme of the US and Britain trying for world domination, the concept of the war as a “Sacred War”, and the idea of 100 million Japanese standing united against the foe.
(Revised) Draft Statement of the Imperial Government on the Independence of Indonesia
Two and a half years have already passed since the territory of the former Dutch East Indies was liberated from the fetters of the Dutch by the swift and magnificent operations of the Imperial Army. Subsequently, the peoples of the area have well understood the significance of the Sacred War for the liberation of Greater East Asia. They have cooperated with the Imperial army with a burning desire to annihilate the enemy and have continued their sincere services for the establishment of Greater East Asia.”
First, the part about the “fetters of the Dutch” being thrown off by the “swift and magnificent operations of the Imperial Army” is incredibly self-serving. Again, the concept of the Sacred War is brought up. The last two sentences of that part are utter bilge.
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