Australian POWs seek apology, compensation from Japanese premier

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SYDNEY, April 24 Kyodo -
Three Australian prisoners-of-war who were forced to work in a coal mine owned
by the family of Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso are now seeking an apology
and compensation from the leader, local media reported Friday.
The trio signed a joint letter to Aso in February, requesting an apology for
inhumane treatment and for neglecting to tell the historical truth of their
experience for so long, The Australian newspaper reported.
The men also asked for ''monetary compensation in line with global norms for
redressing historical injustices,'' the daily said.
''Taking these three steps will be the honorable road for you, your family's
company and Japan,'' the trio wrote.
John ''Jack'' Hall, Joe Coombs and Arthur Gigger penned the letter soon after
Aso admitted in January that Allied prisoners had been used in his family's
Yoshikuma coal mine in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Documents from the Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry revealed that
300 foreign workers were used for slave labor at the coal mine between May and
August 1945.
The men recalled being forced to work in mine shafts that collapsed regularly,
and also told of the beatings they faced for failing to meet their coal quota.
According to the ministry, the Allied prisoners included 197 Australians, 101
Britons and two Dutch.
The Australian veterans say they do not expect to receive either an apology or
monetary compensation from the Japanese prime minister.
''We're pissing in the wind,'' Hall said. ''I know (them), you see. We won't
get a thing.''
==Kyodo
2009-04-24 22:57:34