War Damage In Bsi

United States Has No Responsibility

IT seems to be clear from the material that has come to hand and been pub lished in the “PIM” (see Jan. issue) that the British Government contem plates the payment of war damage com pensation to residents of the Solomon and Gilbert and Ellice Islands. The channel thorugh which communications on the subject should proceed, apparently, is the High Commission for the Western Pacific, Suva. But no move can be made until some announcement is given by the High Commissioner for the Western Paci fic. He, presumably, takes his instruc tions from Whitehall.

Meanwhile, former residents of the British Solomons—to most of whom the Jap invasion spelled economic ruin—are looking anxiouslv for some lead, or eveh a reassuring word. Several letters, des cribing their plight, have come in from readers. Here is a copy of correspondence between Mr. Harold A. Markham, owner of the once-famous Segi Plantation, Marovo Lagoon. New Georgia, and the United States Consul, which is interest ing.

Mr. Markham wrote on November 25, 1945, to the United States Consul in Syd ney, as follows: “Would you please be good enough to

inform me if I am entitled to claim com pensation for war damage to my property by the United States Naval Construction Corps. My property is Segi plantation, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, BSI.

“From information received, it appears that when the US forces advanced from Guadalcanal to Rendova and Munda, they decided to construct an airstrip for emergency landings on my estate. The arqa cleared is supposed to be 60-70 acres, involving approximately 3000 coco nut palms. This will reduce my output of copra by at least 40 tons per annum.

“After residing in the Solomons from 1907 to the outbreak of hostilities, I was forced to evacuate my home on account of Japanese planes bombing Tulagi and the surrounding districts. For the past two years I have been employed by the US Army, Base Section 7; and, as this employment will cease within the next few weeks, it may cause financial diffi culties until such time as I am able to return to the Solomons.”

The Consul’s reply was dated at Feb ruary 18, 1946, and was as follows: “The Consulate General refers to your letter of November 25, 1945, in regard to your claim for compensation for damage to your property by the United States Naval Construction Corps.

“This office has now received from the Commander, South Pacific Area and Force, through the Commanding Officer of the United States Navy Defence Air Reciprocal Aid Review Group in Sydney, advice to the effect that your claim for war damage in the British Solomon Islands, is the responsibility of the Brit ish Government, through agreement with the United States Government, and the latter Government is entertaining no such claims.

“It is believed you should apply to the British High Commissioner for the West ern Pacific, at Suva, in regard to your claim, since it appears that this official has stated to the Commander, igouth Pacific Area and Force, that the respon sibility for all claims for war damage in the Solomons lies on the British Govern ment, and there is no question of claim against the United States Government.”