Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts, NGO Status Roster
Petition # 300: The Pacific War is not over!
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 12 November 2019
Petition: 300
Subject: The Pacific War is not over!
Excellency,
Every day we are personally reminded of the 1941-1945 Pacific war. We suffer from the loss of our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who were, willfully, at the hands of the Japanese military in the name of the Emperor, after bestial treatment, killed or starved to death. In 300 petitions we asked the Prime Minister of Japan to help us with this unbearable burden. We still await a meaningful reply. Ignoring 300 petitions is offensive, rude and lacks any respect for the survivors of the Pacific War who suffered so badly by your people.
Prime Minister,
How can we forget how our grandfathers/mothers, our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, our other relatives and friends were killed by the Japanese military and their assistants? How can we forget the treatment and intimidation we had to undergo in the concentration camps or outside those camps? The Pacific War is not over for us! Japan must accept International Law, that war crimes cannot be exonerated by a peace treaty and must accept the perpetual liability for those crimes.
Prime Minister
The personal stories of the members of the board of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts are well known by your Ambassador and his staff in The Hague. The Pacific War is not over for us and the members of the Foundation. We mourn our loved ones and try to cope with our traumas. The older we get the more vivid we remember the horrors caused by the Japanese military. We cannot forget. It is very painful for us. We are filled with rage that, 75 years after Japan’s capitulation in 1945, neither politically nor publically that there are no signs that Japan repents the war crimes by the Imperial Army and Navy during the Pacific War of 1941-1945.
Prime Minister
A formal receipt of this 300th petition is the least you can do.
The Pacific War is not over.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 8 October 2019
Petition: 299
Subject: The inauguration of Emperor Naruhito is an opportunity.
Excellency,
On the forthcoming occasion of the inauguration of Emperor Naruhito you have the opportunity to call for a new opening to our dialogue. It will not only pay respect to Emperor Showa’s regrets, but also it will demonstrate Japan’s willingness to respect, from a historic point of view, its future relationship with the Kingdom of The Netherlands. It fits with your “sobering sense in reassessing Japan’s post war diplomacy”.
Prime Minister,
The presence of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the inauguration should strengthen your willingness to reassess Japan’s Second World War military history. The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts is ready, on behalf of the Dutch citizens from the Netherlands East Indies occupied by Japan during World War Two, to deepen the dialogue.
Prime Minister,
I refer to Emperor Showa as presented to you in our previous petition 298. “Emperor Showa could not express his “deep shame” and responsibility that he could not stop the military under Prime Minister Hideki Tojo. It was Emperor Showa’s wish to reflect and not repeat all the bad things done by the Japanese War Government and its Imperial Military. In the spirits of Emperor Showa you must consider Japan’s historic duty.”
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
We are looking forward to be hearing from you soon,
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 10 September 2019
Petition: 298
Subject: Emperor Showa was prevented to apologize.
Excellency,
Documents published by NHK record, according to Mr. Michiji Tajima, first grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency during the reign of Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, that Emperor Showa was prevented to apologize on the World War II in 1952. Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida opposed the Emperor’s plan to publicly express regret and remorse, as “it could prompt people to say he was responsible for starting the war or Japan’s defeat.” Emperor Showa could not express his “deep shame” and responsibility that he could not stop the military under Prime Minister Hideki Tojo.
Prime Minister,
As you know the same Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida signed the San Francisco Peace treaty on 8 September 1951, recognizing that “Japan should pay reparations for damage and suffering caused during the war”.However at that time it was recognized that Japan did not have sufficient resources to make complete reparations. Everyone wanted peace and felt that Japan should be given the opportunity to restore itself. The political pressure on the Dutch government was immense to accept that Japan would not reimburse individual victims. It forced the Dutch Minister of foreign affairs Mr. Stikker to sign the Yoshida-Stikker agreement preventing the Dutch from the Netherlands East Indies to claim individual reparation. The basic constitutional rights of the individual Dutch were waived in favour of global peace. Since then Japan has the resources to make good the individual reparations. In good faith the Japanese government must consider an ex gratia arrangement involving the surviving Dutch victims.
Prime Minister,
It was Emperor Showa’s wish to reflect and not repeat all the bad things done by the Japanese War Government and its Imperial Military. In the spirits of Emperor Showa you must consider Japan’s historic duty. The consequences of the belligerent parties of World War II are still not completed. It was the Chancellor of Germany Mrs. Merkel who called on Japan to straighten out pending matters in good faith. Recently the German President Mr. Steinmeier asked the Polish people to pardon the German occupation of Poland during World War II. Japan must follow Germany’s example as Emperor Showa intended! The forthcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo are the moment to reconcile Japan’s military history and to follow Mrs. Merkel call.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 13 August 2019
Petition: 297
Subject: Rehabilitation of Justice
Excellency,
The day after tomorrow we recall Japan’s capitulation on 15thof August 1945. At the Dutch National Monument– the Indies Monument -in The Hague we remember the Dutch who died during Japan’s military occupation of the Dutch East Indies. It is a simple and moving occasion where survivors and next of kin mark the occasion and remember their loved ones, including those who died since then. Many generations attend: survivors, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They all make one common demand:Japan, rehabilitate and do justice to the victims! It is not a legalistic request, but a request to respect and to honor the Dutch who lost but all. In short “Rehabilitation of Justice”.
Prime Minister,
We regret that this month your present Ambassador to The Netherlands, his Excellency Hiroshi Inomata, will be leaving his post. In the past 3 years we had with him many discussions based on our monthly petition addressed to you as Prime Minister of Japan. As Ambassador he had his instructions and in our dialogue he was professional and consistent. With his understanding of our requests he kept, within his diplomatic brief, the dialogue going. Which prompted us to make suggestions to resolve Japan’s historic commitment in a unique and specific way. The Ambassador’s departure at this crucial moment is very regrettable as we suggested to you to take the occasion of the Tokyo Olympics to resolve Japan’s historic commitment.
Prime Minister,
It will take time for his Excellency Hiroshi Inomata’s successor to assess our position and our suggestions. We expect that the new Ambassador will be briefed in full so that he or she will be able to continue the dialogue with the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts. In particular, we hope that the new Ambassador is fully aware of the suggestion to resolve Japan’s historic commitment and that no time is wasted in understanding the position.
Prime Minister,
It is in this respect of the utmost importance that you acknowledge receipt of this petition and consider the new Ambassador’s brief in rehabilitating justice.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 9 July 2019
Petition: 296
Subject: Reparations for Dutch POW´s and Civilians transported to concentration camps by ship and train.
Excellency,
We believe that you met the Minister President of the Netherlands, his Excellency Mr. Mark Rutte, in the sidelines of the G 20 Osaka Summit. We expect that you, among other topics, reviewed with him our request to consider Japan´s moral obligations stemming from the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies during World War II. We did not expect any communiqué but look forward to your suggestions to settle Japan´s Honorary Debts. Next year, 75 years after the end of World War II, all countries congregate in Tokyo for the Olympic Games. In the spirits of the Olympics the Japanese government must persue all efforts to find an agreement to solve the Honorary Debts to the Dutch from the Netherlands East Indies.
Prime Minister,
Recently the Dutch Railway Company (NS)announced to settle its honorary debt in transporting more than 100.000 Jews, Roma and Sinti to the Nazi concentration camps. According to the president of NS transporting Jews, Roma and Sinti and others, ordered by the German military, during World War II is “a black page in the history of NS”. NS apologized in 2005 and will now, on the suggestion by a special independent commission, pay reparations as a moral gesture to survivors or, if they are no longer alive, to their next of kin. NS was paid by the German authorities for transporting the victims!
Prime Minister,
During the occupation of the Netherlands East Indies by the Japanese military Dutch citizens and POW’s were transported to Japanese concentration camps established in Japanese occupied territories as well as in Japan. They were transported by train and ship under insufferable circumstances. The Japanese military ( Navy and Army) ordered Japanese shipping companies to transport Dutch POW’s and citizens. Many died during the transport or as a consequence of the inhumane conditions on board of the so-called Hell Ships. The shipping companies were paid by the Japanese government! As an act of moral chivalry, it must be an honour for the Japanese shipping companies or their present successors to apologize and pay reparations to the survivors or, if they are no longer alive, their next of kin. Like NS will do to the holocaust victims.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 11 June 2019
Petition: 295
Subject: Formal acknowledgement of receipt!
Excellency,
This is our 295thpetition. In 25 years we sent 294 petitions to successive Prime Ministers of Japan including you. We never received a formal acknowledgement of receipt. It is time that you take note of this total disinterest in our so called dialogue.
Prime Minister,
During the forthcoming Group 20 Summit on June 28 and 29 in Osaka you could show interest in our so called dialogue. We suggest that in the sidelines of the Summit you explore with his excellency the Minister President of the Netherlands Mr. Mark Rutte. So that you can reconcile in the Reiwa era and rectify the moral obligations stemming from the Showa era, during which the individual Dutch from the Netherlands East Indies were denied respect and damages.
Prime Minister,
We learned that on the 23rdMay, during the Ministerial Council Meeting of the OECD in Paris, the suggestion was made by both the Foreign Minister of South Korea and her counterpart from Japan to raise Japan’s present dispute with South Korea in the sidelines of the Group 20 Summit. This is a good sign that disputes in the Reiwa (“beautiful harmony”) could be solved at the highest political level. We hope that you together with Minister President of the Netherlands Mr. Mark Rutte will be able to explore and seek a resolve in our dispute. I am copying this petition to Minister President Mr. Mark Rutte so that he is aware of our request.
Prime Minister,
I am looking forward to an early and formal reply.
Do not disappoint me again.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
Copy His Excellency the Minister President of the Netherlands, Mr. Mark Rutte.
Petition 294 #: Reconcile in the Reiwa era.
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 14 May 2019
Petition: 294
Subject: Reconcile in the Reiwa era.
Excellency,
Please convey our best wishes and greetings to the new Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. As a symbol of the State we hope that they will be ambassadors healing old wounds, in particular with the Dutch from the Netherlands East Indies. The Emperor does not have executive powers, but as symbol of the State and the unity of the people, deriving his constitutional position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power, he has moral authority. In reconciling the past with a view to the future of Japan’s international relations the Emperor may contribute in our discussion.
Prime Minister,
In my previous petition I mentioned that during Reiwa it is expected that the Japanese government will have the will and courage to rectify the moral obligations stemming from the Showa era, during which the San Francisco Treaty was agreed and the state of war was terminated. During that era the present Japanese Constitution was established and never changed.
Prime Minister,
As the Prime Government Executive your goal among other matters is to clarify the constitutional status of the Self-Defense Forces. According to article 9 of the Constitution Japan is prohibited from possessing military forces and other war potential materials. It questions the legal position of the Self-Defense Forces. In the rapidly changing political global circumstances consistency is required. However the truth why the prohibition was included in the Constitution must be clear to all people both in Japan and abroad. The truth about the conduct by the Imperial Army during World War II must be told and the institutionalized silence on this matter must be lifted. The present Japanese government must accept responsibility for the past in order to restore faith in the Japanese institutions including the Self-Defense Forces and its political will to reconcile with the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
Prime Minister,
In Germany denying Holocaust is a crime and liable to punishment.
In the Imperial Reiwa era Japan must come to terms with the war crimes of the Imperial Army during World War II. From a historical point of view the year 2020, 75 years after Japan’s capitulation, would be the right moment to do so.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
The Hague, 9 April 2019
Petition: 293
Subject: Japan´s new Imperial era Reiwa, a new commitment recognizing the past?
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
Excellency,
You announced that Japan will be entering into a new era on May 1st following the abdication of Emperor Akihito who is to be succeeded by his son Crown Prince Naruhito. As the new Emperor he will be confronted with an ever rapidly and changing world. During Reiwa it is expected that the Japanese government will have the will and courage to rectify the moral obligations stemming from the Showa era, during which the San Francisco Treaty was agreed and the state of war was terminated.
Prime Minister,
The present Japanese and Dutch generations did not suffer from the setbacks of war the older generations are still experiencing. The Japanese governments have institutionally refused to recognize the individual sufferings by the war victims both at home as well as in the occupied territories, ignoring the 1952 San Francisco Peace Treaty. The Peace Treaty stipulated:
quote Recognizing that Japan should pay reparations for the damage and suffering caused during the war. Nevertheless it is also recognized that the resources of Japan are notpresently sufficient, if it is to maintain a viable economy, to make complete reparation for all such damage and suffering and at the same time meet other obligations, unquote.
From 1952 Japan has been, economically successful, and had the means, if it had the will, to pay reparations to individual victims for the damage and suffering caused during the war. The Yoshida-Stikker protocol of 1956 was a shameful solatium restricted and limited to ex civil internees. It did not pay for the damage and suffering of the Dutch from the Dutch East Indies.
Prime Minister,
In the new era an honorable attempt must be made to rectify and to fulfill the clear inattention of Japan’s recognition to pay reparations. In 2020 it will be 75 years ago that the war was ended. The appropriate moment to reconfirm Japan’s commitment to global peace and to comply with the intentions and the purpose of the San Francisco Peace treaty.
The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts, representing the Dutch victims of the Japanese military occupation of the Dutch East Indies, request an early reply to comply.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President.
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 12 March 2019
Petition: 292
Subject: Respect for human rights.
Excellency,
At the opening of the 40thsession of the Human Rights Council the Secretary General of the United Nations his Excellency António Guterres put it to his audience:
“Respect for human rights is just a game of words if there is no respect for people”
Over the years the government of Japan did not pay much respect to the people victimized by the brutal and unlawful behaviour of the Imperial Army during World War II.
Prime Minister,
In many of our petitions we pointed out that the conduct of the Imperial Army during the occupation of Dutch East Indies was, in accordance with international law, and remains unlawful and in violation of human rights. We are not alone in this opinion. Many distinguished international lawyers and politicians support our view. For political reasons Japan keeps on refusing to acknowledge its responsibility for the misconduct of the Imperial Army and continuously ignores the moral consequences. The Dutch victims were not heard in the politically enforced Yoshida-Stikker protocol!
Prime Minister,
Human rights is about respect for people as the Secretary General of the United Nations so clearly and directly put it. Show the courage and the political will to pay respect to the Dutch victims of the Imperial Army’s misconduct during World War II and face the responsibility.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President
His Excellency Shinzo ABE
Prime Minister of Japan
The Hague, 12 February 2019
Petition: 291
Subject: And now forward.
Excellency,
We had hoped to meet you during your recent visit to the Netherlands. Unfortunately your short stay in the Netherlands dealt with strengthening the Dutch-Japanese commercial relationship in accordance with the EU-Japan Trade Agreement. It did not cover Japan’s war time past. However, according to the summary issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan of the Japan-Netherlands Summit Meeting with Prime Minister Rutte, you made clear you consider the Netherlands as a strategic partner in sharing universal values. One of those values is to acknowledge Japan’s war time past in occupied Dutch East Indies during World War II.
Prime Minister,
In our previous petition we quoted from your New Year’s speech that ”you are overcome by a sobering sense in reassessing Japan’s post war diplomacy”. The powers in the world are concentrating on the future of our children and grandchildren. How can you explain to them that Japan denies responsibility for Japan’s Imperial Army’s conduct and why Japan needs to reassess its post war diplomacy? Are you afraid of the undeniable truth or is it that Japan in the future world will lose out commercially? As mentioned in our previous petition “The ageing communities both in Japan as well as in the Netherlands have not forgotten their sufferings and lack of respect and decency by respective Japanese governments including yours”. Time is of the essence and now more than ever a political discussion with you as Prime Minister of Japan is necessary.
Prime Minister,
The opportunity was not seized to have an open discussion during your visit. We regret that, as we believe that a personal contact is always better then communicating by petition.
On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.
J.F. van Wagtendonk
President