| Serial
Number: 520
Purpose: To induce Japanese troops to surrender.
Comments: This text is intended to make Japanese
soldiers wonder why their leaders have been so insistent in impressing
upon them the belief that surrender is synonymous with disgrace. The fact
that there have been exceptions to the "no return to Japan" idea is casually
mentioned, and an appeal is made to them to consider the ideals introduced
during the ninteenth century by the Emperor Meiji.
Format: Text on paper 5" x 9 1/2". Picture of Mt. Fuji on reverse
side.
Text: In olden days, before Japan became a powerful
nation, citizens were forbidden to visit other countries. If they returned
to Japan after such a visit, they were put to death.
With enlightened rule of the Emperor Meiji, such practices
were abolished. After the Russo-Japanese war, More than 2,000 Japanese
soldiers taken prisoner by the Russians returned to Japan. Some of these
men hold important positions in Japan today.
Who is trying to make Japan go back to former customs,
against the wise policy of Emperor Meiji? Who is trying to prevent the
return of soldiers who have devoted themselves to the nation's welfare?
Are the Gumbatsu ashamed of their conduct of the war?
Do they fear to have their mismanagement known at home? Do they fear to
have you loyal soldiers see what they have done to the country? Will you
allow them to succeed in their policy of deceiving you?
SECRET
520 |
