Nippon Is

"Wining"

Proclamation to New Guinea Natives

RECENTLY, we published the quaint proclamations issued by the Japanese in New Guinea, when they invaded that territory—one, it will be remembered, by the “Navy of Nippon,” which was in fairly good English, and the other by the military, at Rabaul, which was almost incomprehensible.

The Japanese now have issued another proclamation, evidently directed to the few natives who can read and understand English. For sheer ingenuousness, it would take some beating. It is repro duced here exactly as it was issued in New Guinea: — “We guarantee your life and property.

Nippon has declared war against the United States of America and England, and is going to the glorious war with them to keep the independence and honor of the yellow race.

“Already Navy of Nippon is wining a victory everywhere and occupied all Bismarck Archipelago.

“Therefore, you don’t belong to the sovereignty of England but the sovereignty of Nippon.

“See your circumstances in past time.

There is nothing but oppression and squeeze of the white race. Follow us.

And happiness and wealth will be given.—

Navy Of Nippon.”

Exhibiting a copy of this document, a military spokesman in Australia said that the proclamation was issued for circu lation among the educated natives, who were expected to spread the story sum marised in the proclamation to other natives unable to read or speak English.

Packs of Japanese “notes” have been captured by Allied forces in recent oper ations, and apparently they had been intended for use when the enemy cap tured British territories. They are for £1 (dark green, 64 in. by 3 in.); 10 - (brown, 5-> in. by 3 in.); 1 - (light green, in. by 2 1 in.); and “half shilling” (light green, in. by 2 in.).

On the face of the notes are the words, “Japanese Government” in bold black lettering, and at the right-hand side of each is an island scene.