Strange

A Hint of a Strange Coincidence

From Our Own Correspondent CANBERRA, March 12.

APART from the fact that the Japanese “hell-ship” has been sent to Rabaul for examination, the “Yoizuki” in cident has a special and peculiar interest for residents of New Guinea.

Back in January, 1942, a plea by the New Guinea Deputy Administrator,. Mr.

H. H. Page, that the non-combatant civi lians be evacuated, in view of the in creasing threat of Japanese attack, was refused by a “high authority.” The civi lians were forced to remain, and were there when the Jans came in. As a result, between 200 and 300 civilians (including Mr. Page) lost their lives.

There have been repeated demands for the name of the “high authority.” If he cannot be punished for his stupidity and his error, 'his name at least should be known. But the Australian Govern ment consistently “covered up.” There has been no official inquiry.

Now, four vears later, comes incident No. 2. Military officers in Sydney held up the loading of repatriates on to a Jap “hell-ship”; thev would not force women and children to travel under such foul conditions. But. some hours later they were instructed by a “higher authority” to proceed with the job. The wretched repatriates were driven aboard, and the “Yoizuki” sailed. The Australian public was so indignant, however, that the “Yoizuki” was ordered into Rabaul for an official examination after which the women and children were ordered ashore.

As this is written the row is still on.

The public wants the name of the “higher authority”; and the Government is “covering up.”

Would it not be a remarkable coinci dence if the name of the officer who ordered the Rabaul civilians to stay in Rabaul in 1942, and the name of the officer who insisted that the women and children be put aboard the “Yoizuki” (to be unloaded in Rabaul in 1946) were one and the same?