Petities

Vandaag 10 mei 2022 geen Petitie!!!!

Bandaag 19 mei 2022 geen petitie!!!

Vandaag 10 mei 2022 geen petitie.

Ondanks herhaalde verzoeken aan dJapanse ambassadeur om de ontvangst van onze maandelijkse petitie schriftelijk te bevestigen heeft hij dit wederom niet gedaan

Het bestuur van de Stichting Japanse Ereschulden vindt dat onaanvaardbaar en heeft de maandelijkse petitie opgeschort. Er is geen sprake van een dialoog met Japan zolang niet op de petities formeel gereageerd wordt!

De maandelijkse demonstratie bij de Japanse ambassade op de tweede dinsdag van de maanblijven wij voeren.

Namens het bestuur van de Stichting Japanse Ereschulden,

J.F. van Wagtendonk

Petition # 329: Written receipt of acknowledgement of our petitions . 

Petition # 329: Written receipt of acknowledgement of our petitions . 

His Excellency Fumio Kishida,
Prime Minister of Japan.                                                                                                                    

The Hague, 12 April 2022
Petition: 329
Subject: Written receipt of acknowledgement of our petitions . 

Excellency, 
Every second Tuesday of the month since, the beginning of our formal discussions with the Japanese Ambassador in the Hague, the board of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts presented to him a petition addressed to the Prime Minister of Japan. Each time we asked for an acknowledgement of receipt by the Prime Minister. We never received a formal acknowledgement only a verbal statement by an Ambassador that the then Prime Minster was aware our petitions. Only a letter from you as Prime Minister or on behalf of you from the Prime Minister’s office would be sufficient.  

Prime Minister,
It is common in the western world as a matter of respect that a formal official letter addressed to a Prime Minister is formally acknowledged by a receipt to the sender. This simple gesture of respect seems not to apply to our petitions.  

Prime Minister,
The world is in turmoil coping with Covid 19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. During these times one should more then ever pay respect and adhere to common courtesy and observe the rules of etiquette as long one is in dialogue. We have tried to maintain that dialogue with Japan in the hope that one day the Japanese government would  realize that acknowledgement and respect for each other is required in order to continue that dialogue. 

Prime Minister,
For the members and the board of Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts, who personally or through their deceased parents remember well the horrors of war, the time to acknowledge is long overdue. Show respect and acknowledge the receipt of this petition and all previous 328 petitions!

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.

Petition # 328: The Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies started 80 years ago after the Java Sea battle.

Petition # 328: The Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies started 80 years ago after the Java Sea battle. 

His Excellency Fumio Kishida, 
Prime Minister of Japan.                                                                                                            

The Hague, 8 March  2022 
Petition: 328
Subject: The Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies started 8o years ago after the Java Sea battle. 

Excellency, 
27 February 1942, 80 years ago, the  Java Sea naval battle took place between Japan and the Combined Striking Force of Dutch, Australian, British and American naval forces. The Combined Forces tried to stop the Japan invasion of Java. They failed and the former Dutch East Indies were invaded by the Japanese military.

The memorial service remembering that 80 years ago the battle took place was attended by Princess Beatrix, the former Dutch Queen.  On the Dutch side about 1.000 naval service men died. The surviving Dutch from Dutch East Indies remember it well. They still hope that one day Japan will acknowledge that it has the honorable duty to accept the historic responsibility for the unlawful attack and subsequent invasion, and acknowledge the misdeeds of its military during the occupation. The failure to accept this continues unmeasurable pain and sorrow for the survivors and their next of kin.

Prime Minister, 
The present Russian invasion of  Ukraine reactivate the raw memories of war and subsequent harsh occupation by the Japanese military. History appears to be repeated now by Russia for the Russians, equivalent to  Japan’s historic pronouncement “Asia for the Asians”.

Our sympathy is with the Ukrainians and we hope that Russia will not be able to occupy Ukraine as Japan did in Asia.

We look forward to our discussion with the Ambassador today and to your acknowledgement of the receipt of this petition confirming your personal attention and the need for a meaningful dialogue.

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.

Petition # 327: Review of petition 326 Will Japan this year recognize that for a dialogue response is required? 

His Excellency Fumio Kishida,
Prime Minister of Japan.                                                                                                                        

The Hague, 8 February 2022
Petition: 327
Subject: Review of petition 326 Will Japan this year recognize that for a dialogue response is required? 

Excellency, 

Due to the Corona restrictions we were unable to discuss our petition 326 with the Japanese Ambassador in The Hague. As the subject of this petition is of the utmost importance for our dialogue we table this petition again. We hope and expect that the Japanse Ambassador had the opportunity to discuss the contents of petition 326.

We look forward to our discussion today and to your acknowledgement of the receipt of this petition.

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.

Petition # 326: Will Japan this year recognize that for a dialogue response is required?

Petition # 326: Will Japan this year recognize that for a dialogue response is required? 

His Excellency Fumio Kishida, 
Prime Minister of Japan.                                                                                                                        

The Hague, 11 January 2022 
Petition: 326
Subject: Will Japan this year recognize that for a dialogue response is required?

Excellency, 
“Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar” we wish each other in the Netherlands at the beginning of a new year. Traditionally in English, the board and members of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts wish you and the people of Japan a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year. At the same time we consider what our relation is with Japan and its people. Many petitions have been directed to the Prime Minsters of Japan including yourself. Never did we receive a response on our suggestions other then that every thing has been settled by the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the Yoshida-Stikker protocol. How can we have a meaningful dialogue if repeatedly we are told that Japan expresses the feeling of deep remorse and heartfelt apology for its actions during the war? But that the Dutch government and the Japanese government is in agreement that all war related reparations have been settled in accordance with international law.

It appears that your Ambassador in The Hague has the instruction to receive our monthly petition directed to the Prime Minster of Japan on his behalf and make some comments. But never did we receive formally an acknowledgement of receipt nor a reply to our suggestions. The peace exchange program is meaningless. Only a handful former victims or there immediate dependents are included.  Let me make it very clear we do not hate the Japanese but have no respect for them as they continue to use legally and politically related arguments to deny any moral responsibility for the lasting sufferings of the Dutch during the Japanese military occupation of Dutch East Indies during World War II.

During 2022 we will continue our monthly demonstrations and present petitions with suggestions how Japan and its people could participate in a meaningful dialogue demonstrating moral responsibility and understanding for the pain and sorrow to the Dutch and their dependents from former Dutch East Indies. The solatium of 1956 was inadequate and needs to be resolved with the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

Prime Minister,
I look forward to your acknowledgement of the receipt of this petition and your suggestions.

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.

Petition # 325: Subject: Individual donations to kickstart the Japanese economy after Corona.

Petition # 325: Subject: Individual donations to kickstart the Japanese economy after Corona.

His Excellency Fumio Kishida,
Prime Minister of Japan.

The Hague, 14 December 2021
Petition: 325
Subject: Individual donations to kickstart the Japanese economy after Corona.

Excellency, 
According to your Ambassador in the Hague his Excellency Horinouchi Hidehisa Japanese children will receive the equivalent of Euro 1.000 to kickstart the Japanese economy after Corona. Individual Japanese citizens older then 18 years already received Euro 1.000. A very generous gift compared to the Fls. 415 Dutch civilians received in 1956 as a solatium for their imprisonment in Japanese concentration camps during World War II. In reviewing Japan’s future taking into account the past, in particular the sufferings of the Dutch during the Japanese military occupation of Dutch East Indies it would be a fitting gesture to the around 90.000 victims or their children if they received a similar amount. Those outside the concentration camps were excluded from the solatium, but should be included as well in todays gesture of Japan and thus clearing its moral obligation to the Dutch from Dutch East Indies. 

Prime Minister,
Last 7 December 80 years ago Japan started the Pacific war. Japan capitulated 15 August 1945. The many civilians and soldiers who, or later as a result of the war, died we remember every year. The San Francisco Peace Treaty of 8 September 1951 ended the hostilities. Japan was given the opportunity to resurrect. 
Corona is a new war but the Pacific War can not be forgotten. Those whom survived continue to feel mentally the pain, the sorrow and the neglect.  Japan’s initiative to kickstart its economy after Corona by handing out to its individual citizens and children Euro 1.000 could be used as a basis to reconsider the 1956 solatium Yoshida-Stikker protocol.

Prime Minister,
It is a suggestion by which Japan could show some sympathy partly repairing the inadequate solatium of 1956. 

Prime Minister,
I look forward to your acknowledgement of the receipt of this petition and your suggestions.

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts. 

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.

Petition # 324: The future is dictated by the past.

Petition # 324: The future is dictated by the past.

His Excellency Fumio Kishida, 
Prime Minister of Japan.                                                                                                                        

The Hague, 9 November 2021 
Petition: 324
Subject: The future is dictated by the past.

Excellency, 
Very soon after your appointment as Prime Minster of Japan your party won the parliamentary election. As Prime Minster you have now a majority support in parliament! A very comfortable position to review Japan’s future taking into account the past. In particular the consequences of the Japanese military occupation of Dutch East Indies during World War II for the individual Dutch victims requires your personal attention and respect.

Prime Minister,
The San Francisco Peace Treaty of 8th September 1951 states in Article 14(a) “It is recognized that Japan should pay reparations to the Allied Powers for damage and suffering caused by it during the war. Nevertheless it is also recognized that the resources of Japan are not presently sufficient, if it is to maintain a viable economy, to make complete reparation for all such damage and suffering and the same time meets its other obligations.” The Allied Powers waived all reparation claims. In fact Japan was released to pay for the war damage caused at the time that the Peace Treaty was agreed in order to rebuild its economy at the expense of the Dutch war victims. Since then however Japan was economically very successful and could have made a voluntary reparation to the individual Dutch victims. Japan’s reserves were more then adequate. Most of the Dutch lost their jobs, their homes and their savings, and suffered mentally and ill health as a result of the Japanese military occupation of the Dutch East Indies. The loss of their savings did not help either. The solatium under the Yoshida Stikker Protocol of 1956 was a poor sense of guilt and caused only ill feelings. 

Prime Minister,
We realize that Japan as all other nations globally now are confronted with Covid 19, the climate change and regional instability. These are causing a considerable financial burden including on the Japanese government and its citizens. At the same time now is the opportune moment to establish morally and commercially global relations in particular with the Netherlands taking into account the moral obligations to the Dutch from Dutch East Indies. In many of our petitions we made suggestions to come to terms with the past. What took place during the war cannot be restored, but the feelings of ignorance and neglect in our relation can be improved. With your party’s parliament majority you can win support for a  reconciliation taking into account the past.               

Prime Minister,
I look forward to your acknowledgement of the receipt of this petition and your suggestions.

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.

Petition # 323: Welcome with a new beginning.

Petition # 323: Welcome with a new beginning.

His Excellency Fumio Kishida, 
Prime Minister of Japan.                                                                                                                        

The Hague, 12 October 2021 
Petition: 323
Subject: Welcome with a new beginning.

Excellency, 
The Board and Members of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts respectfully welcome you to the position of Prime Minster of Japan and congratulate you with the appointment. As Foreign Secretary of the previous cabinet you became familiar with our Foundation and our monthly petitions. Previous Prime Ministers never acknowledgement receipt of our petitions which is discourteous and not called for in our dialogue. Nevertheless, we discussed the contents of our petitions with the Japanese Ambassadors in The Hague, and we believe that the Ambassador send the petitions with his comments to Tokyo. An acknowledgement of receipt of the petitions would restore a meaningful dialogue. We hope that you as the new Prime Minister would do so. Thus paying respect to the Dutch and their next of kin and accepting Japan’s historic responsibility for the misconduct by the Japanese military during the occupation of Netherlands East Indies during the Pacific war from 1941 till 1945. The pain and grief of lost ones, their own sufferings in the concentration camp and outside the camps, and the lack of understanding continues to haunt the surviving victims and the next of kin of those who, many died as a consequence of the sufferings.

Prime Minister,
There are many urgent issues you have to deal with in your new position. Both current ones and those with a historic nature. We ask you to take note of pending issues such as the recognition that Comfort Women who were forcefully recruited to act as sex slaves for the Japanese military and acknowledge the promises Japan made to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee to present the full history of each site listed on World Heritage List of the sites of the Meiji Industrial Revolution. In acting swiftly would mean a new beginning in our dialogue which at the moment is unilateral and is in fact at a standstill as there is no movement on Japan’s side.

Prime Minister,
I asked your predecessor to act so that next year 2022 our requests that both on the Comfort Women issue in accepting a suitable solution in listing the Comfort Women original documents on the UNESCO International Memory of the World Register and the Meiji Heritage issue are dealt with. Do not wait till the World Heritage Committee reconsiders its position in 2023 regarding the efforts Japan made to comply with its pledge of 2015. Let us start with a new beginning in the dialogue. 
I look forward to your acknowledgement of the receipt of this petition.

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.

Petition # 322: The World Heritage Committee’s displeasure of not implementing to include World War II in the full history of the interpretive strategy of the sites on the World Heritage List of the Meiji Industrial Revolution

His Excellency Yoshihide Suga,  
Prime Minister of Japan.  

The Hague, 14 September 2021 
Petition: 322
Subject: The World Heritage Committee’s displeasure of not implementing to include World War II in the full history of the interpretive strategy of the sites on the World Heritage List of the Meiji Industrial Revolution 

Excellency, 
We discussed with the Ambassador in The Hague our previous petition concerning the World Heritage Committee (WHC) displeasure of not fulfilling in the interpretive strategy the full history of each site on the World Heritage List of Meiji Industrial Revolution. He questioned the status of workers at sites during World War II. He mentioned that the workers at the Hashima Coal Mine were not POW’s. He seemed to refer to the local oral statements that there were no instances of people forced to work at the coal mine. It confirms the observation by UNESCO that conscripted workers from other countries were considered to be Japanese nationals at the time and were treated as such. No wonder that the UNESCO mission concluded that remembering the victims is inadequate and that the interpretive measures to allow an understanding of those who during World War II were brought against their will and forced to work are currently INSUFFICIENT. 

Prime Minister,
In a letter dated 31 August 2021 from Ms Mechtild Rossler, director  of the UNESCO, to the president of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts she refers to Decision 42 COM 7B.10 that the World Heritage Committee “strongly encourages the State Party(Japan) to take into account best international practices for interpretation strategies when continuing its work on the interpretation of the full history od the property, both during and outside the Outstanding Universal Value period and in the digital interpretation materials”. The letter also refers back to “Especially, in developing the “interpretive strategy” Japan will sincerely respond to the recommendation that the strategy allows “an understanding of the full history of each site”. In the attachments it was made clear that Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat has overall responsibility for implementation of the framework for the conservation and management of the property! More specifically Japan is prepared to take measures that allow an understanding that there were a large number of Koreans who were brought against their will and forced to work under harsh conditions in the 1940s at some of the sites, and during World War II, the Government of Japan also implemented its policy of requisition. In this context was the suggestion by the Ambassador outrageous. I personally asked him to reconsider his suggestion.

Prime Minister,
I repeat my request that you personally to act, before you hand over your position, in the matter of the full interpretive strategy to remember the victims. Japan must not forget its misconduct during World War II and has to respect the history of each site listed on the World Heritage List. Do not wait till the World Heritage Committee reconsiders in 2023 the efforts Japan made to comply its pledge made in 2015. The displeasure of the WHC in strongly regretting that Japan has not fully implemented its recommendations is an insult to the victims and their next of kin. 

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.

NB “The story of Johan” a Japanese translation of the history of a POW in Fukuoka-2 in a lesson booklet.

Petition # 321: Full history of World Heritage Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.

Petition # 312: Full history of World Heritage Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.

His Excellency Yoshihide Suga, 
Prime Minister of Japan.                                                                                                                        

The Hague, 10 August 2021 
Petition: 321
Subject: Full history of World Heritage Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.

Excellency, 
The World Heritage Committee (WHC) decided to inscribe the Sites of Meiji Industrial Revolution on the World Heritage List in July 2015. These sites were recognized for representing the first successful transfer of industrialization from the West to a non-Western country. The sites include several sites where during World War Two Dutch Prisoners of War (POW) were forced as slaves to work under harsh conditions. The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts objected to the inscription but was not successful in preventing the decision by the WHC. 
However, the WHC recommended that Japan would prepare an interpretive strategy for presentation of the property which allows an understanding of the full history of each site. The Japanese representative promised that Japan would take specific measures to respond to the WHC’s recommendations.
The State of Conservation reports that Japan purposefully distorts the letter and spirit of the 2015 promises. In 2017 and 2018 the WHC requested Japan to fully implement its promises, but Japan failed again. The Industrial Heritage Information Centre opened in 2020 presents a one-sided interpretation of the site’s history. Completely ignoring the historical facts. The Information Centre distort history by exclusively presenting selective “testimonies” from former Japanese residents of Hashima denying any discrimination or abuse at the site. The fact that among others more then 4.000 Dutch Prisoners of War worked as slave laborers are totally ignored. They had no choice: they were forced in fact enslaved. Their lives had no value!

Prime Minister,
You should be ashamed that representatives of Japan agree to an interpretive strategy to allow an understanding of the full history of each site, but in practice ignore these promises, distorting historic events. The displeasure of the WHC in strongly regretting that Japan has not fully implemented its recommendations requires immediate action. Would ask you to interfere and instruct Japan’s representative at the forthcoming World Heritage Meeting to follow best international practices on the interpretation of the full history of the sites but also involving the industrial companies and coal mines who employed Dutch POW’s during World War Two. 

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.