An important and substantial dossier of depositions and interrogation reports compiled by Captain E.W. Scott, 2 Australian War Crimes Section, investigating alleged war crimes and the fate of allied soldiers in New Guinea during the Second World War
Foolscap folio, 253 leaves of duplicate typescript, printed rectos only (containing 118 depositions or interrogation reports of between 1 and 6 pages each), with several diagrams, some in colour.
Post-bound in the original cloth-backed folder, now a little creased and worn, with three holes punched in the front cover; one leaf detached; a few tears and other signs of age and use; overall, in very good condition.
These retained duplicate typescripts comprise 51 depositions signed by the deponent, interpreter (if applicable), and Scott as Investigating Officer, and 67 interrogation reports signed by Scott alone. The interrogations took place between 13 January 1949 and 27 January 1950 in Tokyo. The investigation focuses on the activities of the Nankai Shitai (South Seas Detachment of the Japanese Army) and the Kempeitai (Military Police) in relation to the treatment of prisoners of war and non-combatants in the Madang area of northern New Guinea. Many of the interrogations concern: the capture of VX148 Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Samuel Key, commanding officer of 2/14th Australian Infantry Battalion (captured near Kokoda in 1942 and presumed dead); the disappearance of missionaries near Alexishafen; the execution and mistreatment of local 'native' people; and the fate of a downed aircrew brought aboard the ship 'Matsue Maru' in the Coral Sea. Several of the depositions give first- or second-hand accounts of the execution of prisoners. One gives an eye-witness account of the massacre of some 300 Australian troops at Laha airfield, Ambon, with diagrams showing the sites of the executions. Another describes the execution of Australian airmen at Matupi crater, near Rabaul (also with a diagram). In yet another, Colonel Miki professes to be shocked to hear of the maltreatment of prisoners by soldiers under his command: 'I was very surprised to hear about the unhappy event and the circumstances under which an Australian soldier was drowned and the subsequent torture and ill-treatment of witnesses which followed ... I never heard any complaints from the prisoners'. Elsewhere there are references to Changi, Sandakan, prisoners of war sent to Japan, Blakang Mati (Sentosa), and United States Air Force personnel. The files are arranged in reverse chronological order, with the most recent at the top, and a manuscript index of the files compiled by Scott (quarto, 3 leaves, rectos only) is mounted on the inside surface of the front cover.
Item #121405
Price (AUD):
$5,500.00