After all these years of chopping kindling, I would have to wait ‘till I got into a concentration camp to cut off a piece of my finger, which I did yesterday. A stupid thing to do, but maybe now I can catch up a little on this as I can not do much work around camp. Fortunately it was the thumb of my left hand, so am not totally disabled although it does hurt like the devil. Have just returned from having the dressing changed which is not much fun either. How-ever, such is life. My carpentry work will now have to suffer for a while and I am already far behind in my orders for folding chairs. Do I have my troubles!!
Latest news about Corregidor is that there were only 2,300 Filipino and 900 American officers and troops on the island when they surrendered. All others, including nurses, gold, currency and supplies had been shipped out, probably to Australia. According to the propaganda sheet we get in here, all American forces in the islands have surrendered so the Japs are supposed to be in complete control. Rumors have a different story, that we are still fighting in the south. Air activity around Manila has been very limited since the fall of Corregidor, so it is difficult to say just what is actually going on. One can not believe the paper and the rumors are just as apt to be more unreliable; so what!
You will undoubtedly find this the most jumbled mess you ever run across, but then, that is just about what we are in here, and it’s getting no better fast. Although we do have some things t be grateful for and that is, that the rainy season has been holding off and we are still enjoying the tropical sunshine.
Some while back I started to give you a little on camp life, then got to wandering as usual. Not having much to write about today, will scribble off a few lines on the subject so that if you ever get caught in a concentration camp you can say that this is the way they did it in Manila.
In a camp of this size, with so many different classes of people, it is necessary to have some organization in order to maintain order and health. When the camp was first started, we had to have a contact man to deal with the Japs, which position, as the camp became larger, developed into a committee composed of both men and women, and now called the Central Committee. This committee is headed by a chairman named Earl Carrol (formerly with the Insular Life Insurance Co.) which acts on all matters pertaining to the camp.
Will wander off for a moment to tell of a little episode in connection with the above named party. One Saturday night when they were having a show, said party brought the Jap commandant up on the stage and after introducing him to the audience, wished him every success in his next venture (commandant was scheduled to be transferred to some other offensive) and then tried to get the crowd to sing “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” A fine spirit of Americanism!! I don’t think! Said party (or rat) will probably be as popular as the measles when we get out of here. If he lives that long. Now that you know the type of “bloke” we have as chairman of the camp we can go on with the story. From this you might imagine how things are run as far as our interests are concerned in dealing with Japs. While a few have endeavored to justify the above episode, the majority feel that it was absolutely un-warranted any way you might look at it.
Operating under the Central Committee, are the Sanitary, Police and food supply divisions. Each having a head man and as many assistants as needed. Everything done in camp is voluntary, and no one can be forced to work, resulting in many not doing a damned thing but get on the bread line twice a day and then kick because they do have to stand in line.
Some one in camp brought in a phonograph arrangement that works through a bank of loud speakers, so we now have music every night ‘till 8:45 P.M. The curfew hour has again been extended and is now 9:00 P.M. We understand that the commandant wanted to make it 10:00 P.M. but the Central Committee objected. Guess they were afraid of what might go on during these dark nights with some body elses wife, or some such thing. From what I have seen so far, many are doing quite alright. Do you follow me? Now don’t get any bad ideas about me for I haven’t a gal friend in camp and am still pure as snow. Believe it or not. And it is a matter of choice too, for there are plenty of the “deadly Species” (females) in camp here. For once in my life I realize when I am well off and am not looking for any particular trouble.
As most all the heavy work and improvements in camp have been completed, I am now on the “can” detail, or in plain English, clean the toilets on our floor. Our room has been assigned this job as a steady diet so we now work, only every three days for a couple of hours, unless some special job comes up.
May 10, 1942
Happy Birthday Sweetheart. How I do wish we were together a top the Mark Hopkins, lifting over a “few”. Just you and I. I wonder how you are darling, and what you are doing today. Do hope you are not worrying too much about me. We are getting along quite well so far taking everything into consideration.
Today is the start of our fifth month in this camp. In some ways it hardly seems possible, then again, it seems ages. It is reported that there is no more flour in Manila so we have had no bread on the line for more than two weeks. This is only the beginning of things to come. Now that Corregidor has fallen, Manila Bay is filled with Jap ships loading up and carting away all their war booty. According to information received from the outside, just about everything of value owned by us in here is being taken, including automobiles, refrigerators, radios and all the canned goods and groceries they can lay their hands on. We also learn that there was a total of seven thousand officers, troops, civilians and nurses on Corregidor when they surrendered. I rather expected that there was much more than this, which makes it all the more surprising that they should have run out of food and ammunition, necessitating their surrender. This whole affair out here makes one very dis-heartened to think that we were so poorly prepared and managed. Surely the command will have a lot to answer for. But we at least have something, if you can call it that, and that is the distinction of being the first American civilians ever to be put in a concentration camp in their own territory. Likewise the American troops, to surrender their own territory. Not a pretty picture at all.
Yesterdays paper carries an item to the affect that San Francisco was under an air raid alarm for twenty seven minutes on May 5th. Can it be possible that the Japs are really intending taking over the United States proper? I don’t believe any one ever thought they could go as far as they have, but the facts are known and so far as we know, they have not yet been slowed down. It is all so inconceivable, yet the proof is before us and the devils are still going strong. I believe, along with many others, that we should have been able to recover from the first blow long before this but apparently no soap.
Have just gone out to the shanty to get a new pencil and there met a fellow who has been out on a sick pass and he tells a different story about Corregidor. He says there are 11,473 men on the island and that the Japs have refused to accept their surrender unless all other armed forces in the Philippines surrender. The Japs have them bottled up there on the island, under heavy guard, and intend to kill every one of them if the balance of our forces do not surrender within four days. He heard General Wainwright’s plea over the radio to commanders of other forces to lay down their arms and further says he is a broken man, sobbing all the time he was trying to talk. It is terrible and almost unbelievable, but after hearing of the many atrocities committed on the natives I can believe anything. The only thing I wonder about is, how long is the U.S. going to stand for this.
I also heard this morning that the Jap army trucks go dynamiting around town, hell-bent-for-leather, driving wrecklessly and have killed endless numbers of civilians, both pedestrians and others riding in carromatas, etc; the chap who tole me says he has seen many such cases. On his way down to camp this morning he saw two killed outright and the truck did not even stop to render aid.
My stenographer came down this morning and managed to talk the guard into letting her come in. so we had quite a little chat. She has been a peach of a kid. Did not have much to say about things outside but take it there is much room for improvement. Was happy to have talked to her as it breaks the monotony.
That’s about all for today Sweetheart. We have just received notice that we can again try to send notes to the states by means of the Brazilian consul, so will scribble you off a line and hope you may receive it before long. Some how I don’t have much confidence that you will ever receive it but am not passing up an opportunity. So here’s hoping.
Today is the start of our fifth month in this camp. In some ways it hardly seems possible, then again, it seems ages. It is reported that there is no more flour in Manila so we have had no bread on the line for more than two weeks. This is only the beginning of things to come. Now that Corregidor has fallen, Manila Bay is filled with Jap ships loading up and carting away all their war booty. According to information received from the outside, just about everything of value owned by us in here is being taken, including automobiles, refrigerators, radios and all the canned goods and groceries they can lay their hands on. We also learn that there was a total of seven thousand officers, troops, civilians and nurses on Corregidor when they surrendered. I rather expected that there was much more than this, which makes it all the more surprising that they should have run out of food and ammunition, necessitating their surrender. This whole affair out here makes one very dis-heartened to think that we were so poorly prepared and managed. Surely the command will have a lot to answer for. But we at least have something, if you can call it that, and that is the distinction of being the first American civilians ever to be put in a concentration camp in their own territory. Likewise the American troops, to surrender their own territory. Not a pretty picture at all.
Yesterdays paper carries an item to the affect that San Francisco was under an air raid alarm for twenty seven minutes on May 5th. Can it be possible that the Japs are really intending taking over the United States proper? I don’t believe any one ever thought they could go as far as they have, but the facts are known and so far as we know, they have not yet been slowed down. It is all so inconceivable, yet the proof is before us and the devils are still going strong. I believe, along with many others, that we should have been able to recover from the first blow long before this but apparently no soap.
Have just gone out to the shanty to get a new pencil and there met a fellow who has been out on a sick pass and he tells a different story about Corregidor. He says there are 11,473 men on the island and that the Japs have refused to accept their surrender unless all other armed forces in the Philippines surrender. The Japs have them bottled up there on the island, under heavy guard, and intend to kill every one of them if the balance of our forces do not surrender within four days. He heard General Wainwright’s plea over the radio to commanders of other forces to lay down their arms and further says he is a broken man, sobbing all the time he was trying to talk. It is terrible and almost unbelievable, but after hearing of the many atrocities committed on the natives I can believe anything. The only thing I wonder about is, how long is the U.S. going to stand for this.
I also heard this morning that the Jap army trucks go dynamiting around town, hell-bent-for-leather, driving wrecklessly and have killed endless numbers of civilians, both pedestrians and others riding in carromatas, etc; the chap who tole me says he has seen many such cases. On his way down to camp this morning he saw two killed outright and the truck did not even stop to render aid.
My stenographer came down this morning and managed to talk the guard into letting her come in. so we had quite a little chat. She has been a peach of a kid. Did not have much to say about things outside but take it there is much room for improvement. Was happy to have talked to her as it breaks the monotony.
That’s about all for today Sweetheart. We have just received notice that we can again try to send notes to the states by means of the Brazilian consul, so will scribble you off a line and hope you may receive it before long. Some how I don’t have much confidence that you will ever receive it but am not passing up an opportunity. So here’s hoping.
May 9, 1942
Time marches on! Was busy yesterday making a table for a friend so again this was neglected. By keeping busy the time fairly flies and I don't seem to get around to doing half the things I should. Have sent outside for some tools and hope to go into the carpentry business and pick up a little small change now and then around camp. Have also been busy making home brew from pineapple cuttings. Bottled the first batch this morning and it's not bad either, although a few days more might do it some good. We are not allowed any liquor in here so quite a number have been making their own. I hope to get in a little "alky" to spike it then we'll really have something - Or go blind - either one - What does it matter?
The fall of Corregidor is definite. Yesterday the Japs were parading all around town on band wagons celebrating the occasion, and the morning paper shows General Wainwright surrendering. At last nights rumor session we hear that Corregidor had run out of both food and ammunition. This is surprising as most every one was under the impression that they could hold out for at least two years. This appears to be another example of poor management or judgement on the part of our forces. It is going to be a most interesting story to read after this is all over.
The European situation appears to continue toward the final climax which we all hope will be soon. It is my opinion that we here in the Philippines have seen the last of actual warfare and fighting and that the decisive battle grounds will be Japan. We know of only two air raids on Japan to date but expect there will be plenty as soon as Germany folds up.
Now that the Japs have complete control of the Philippines many believe that we will soon be let out to shift for ourselves before the rainy season sets in. Unless the States banks open in which we have money, I don't see that it will do us much good as the Japs have taken over all our properties, business money and jobs. We understand that the Red Cross expense for feeding us in here, two damn slim meals per day, isP1.20 [pesos] or U.S. $.60 (sixty cents). I'd like to know who is getting the fifty cents, for the meals surely can not cost more than a dime at the very outside. Personally I believe the big shots in the Red Cross are making a fortunate [sic] on this. One of the directors happens to own a business in Manila that has been taken over by the Japs so guess he is trying to make up for it at our and the Red Cross' expense. It must be the nature of the beasts to be always on the look-out to gyp some one out of a dime even in critical times such as these. One of Bill's friends.
The fall of Corregidor is definite. Yesterday the Japs were parading all around town on band wagons celebrating the occasion, and the morning paper shows General Wainwright surrendering. At last nights rumor session we hear that Corregidor had run out of both food and ammunition. This is surprising as most every one was under the impression that they could hold out for at least two years. This appears to be another example of poor management or judgement on the part of our forces. It is going to be a most interesting story to read after this is all over.
The European situation appears to continue toward the final climax which we all hope will be soon. It is my opinion that we here in the Philippines have seen the last of actual warfare and fighting and that the decisive battle grounds will be Japan. We know of only two air raids on Japan to date but expect there will be plenty as soon as Germany folds up.
Now that the Japs have complete control of the Philippines many believe that we will soon be let out to shift for ourselves before the rainy season sets in. Unless the States banks open in which we have money, I don't see that it will do us much good as the Japs have taken over all our properties, business money and jobs. We understand that the Red Cross expense for feeding us in here, two damn slim meals per day, is
May 7, 1942
Quite some time has elapsed since my last entry, during which time the rumors have been coming in strong and unreliable as ever and I have been keeping out of trouble puttering around making one thing and another. Have made three folding canvas chairs, cabinet for supplies and a shanty for a friend. When I get started on these jobs I don't like to quit until I'm finished, resulting in the neglect of this. Although there has not been much to tell lately anyway.
Apparently all the rumors about reinforcements arriving in the Philippines is "bunk." Bataan has definitely fallen and today we have confirmation that Corregidor surrendered yesterday. This is the last of American stronghold and completes the surrender of the Philippines to the Japs. Needless to say, no one is feeling any too good today. It now looks like we will be here for a long while. In three more days we will have completed four months in the "klink."
According to rumor, the European situation is more favorable and the betting by Lloyds and Wall Street is four to one that the mess there will be over in thirty days. The Russians are going strong and progress is being made on all other fronts. Naturally, the sooner the European mess is cleaned up, the better it will be for us out here as an all out on the Japs can then be made. We hear of large convoys arriving in Australia from the U.S.A. which is, I imagine, the preparation or ground work for the big push. In the mean-time, we are still locked up and the chow getting no better fast. Am down to 160 pounds now.
Am not much in the mood for writing today, but this has broken the "ice" so will be back again tomorrow with the latest.
Apparently all the rumors about reinforcements arriving in the Philippines is "bunk." Bataan has definitely fallen and today we have confirmation that Corregidor surrendered yesterday. This is the last of American stronghold and completes the surrender of the Philippines to the Japs. Needless to say, no one is feeling any too good today. It now looks like we will be here for a long while. In three more days we will have completed four months in the "klink."
According to rumor, the European situation is more favorable and the betting by Lloyds and Wall Street is four to one that the mess there will be over in thirty days. The Russians are going strong and progress is being made on all other fronts. Naturally, the sooner the European mess is cleaned up, the better it will be for us out here as an all out on the Japs can then be made. We hear of large convoys arriving in Australia from the U.S.A. which is, I imagine, the preparation or ground work for the big push. In the mean-time, we are still locked up and the chow getting no better fast. Am down to 160 pounds now.
Am not much in the mood for writing today, but this has broken the "ice" so will be back again tomorrow with the latest.
April 25, 1942
The hot weather continues and so does the rumors. We have been getting in the rumor for the past few days that Italy is asking for a seperate peace with the Allies and are holding a meeting in Lisbon for that purpose. To my way of thinking, this is not at all unlikely as we have not heard of Italy taking any offensive lately or, as a matter of fact, doing much of anything. It was a surprise to many when Italy cast her lot with the Axis and now that the tide appears to be changing it is the natural thing to do in an effort to salvage something at least.
We have a very similar case right here in Manila but on a personal scale, of a prominent official connected with the Agp. When the Japs first took over Manila, this party was not interned with the rest of us but was out in custody of a high ranking Nazi official friend of his. Up to several days ago, said party enjoyed all the freedom and protection of the present Jap military regime. This naturally encumbered certain obligations and before long said party was making radio speeches about co-operating with the new order of East Asia and telling the Filipinos how badly they had been exploited by the Americans. Apparently due to either a change of heart or a change in the military situation out this way, said party tried to swing over to our side and wanted to come in to camp and be interned like all the rest of us, several days ago. The Jap commandant in charge of this camp would not accept him and referred him to the military headquarters. I saw and talked to him when he came in here to apply for admission. I have known him for some time; played golf and many a drink we've had together. Always thought him to be a fine fellow and a good sport up to the outbreak of war. It is very amusing to see how people re-act when the pressure is applied. It's an experience worth millions that you couldn't sell for a plugged dime. Now to get back to the story: this morning the rumor comes in hot and heavy that two Americans were executed by the Japs yesterday, one of which was an official of the Agp. No one seems to know who the other one was, or why he was executed. All the other officials of Agp are in here which leaves only one answer as I see it. But that's war! Said party may have had another side to the story that we don't know and many of us are hoping that this execution is only a rumor so that we may some day know the full story.
And speaking of people that change their nationality, there were two in our immediate shanty that turned yellow when the pressure was applied; one, formerly connected with the Army who destroyed a U.S. passport and other equipment and kept only a foreign birth certificate for identification. However, when things got tough on the outside and the Japs issued stern warnings to foreigners to register, they got scared stiff and finally came into camp. If the U.S. was a little more strict in their admission of foreigners to U.S. Citizenship, they might value it more highly. On the other hand, you will probably find native born citizens who are no better and ready to jump on any band-wagon to save their selfish flesh and blood. It gets me!!
There is considerable air activity around here today; guess they are out after Corregidor again. We have had very little news lately. Even the K.G.E.I. transcripts have nothing on the Philippine situation. We have either been forgotten, or this is the calm before the storm. Quien sabe! We have heard nothing on the Bataan situation lately or what has been done with the sixty thousand troops that have been taken prisoners.
We have a very similar case right here in Manila but on a personal scale, of a prominent official connected with the Agp. When the Japs first took over Manila, this party was not interned with the rest of us but was out in custody of a high ranking Nazi official friend of his. Up to several days ago, said party enjoyed all the freedom and protection of the present Jap military regime. This naturally encumbered certain obligations and before long said party was making radio speeches about co-operating with the new order of East Asia and telling the Filipinos how badly they had been exploited by the Americans. Apparently due to either a change of heart or a change in the military situation out this way, said party tried to swing over to our side and wanted to come in to camp and be interned like all the rest of us, several days ago. The Jap commandant in charge of this camp would not accept him and referred him to the military headquarters. I saw and talked to him when he came in here to apply for admission. I have known him for some time; played golf and many a drink we've had together. Always thought him to be a fine fellow and a good sport up to the outbreak of war. It is very amusing to see how people re-act when the pressure is applied. It's an experience worth millions that you couldn't sell for a plugged dime. Now to get back to the story: this morning the rumor comes in hot and heavy that two Americans were executed by the Japs yesterday, one of which was an official of the Agp. No one seems to know who the other one was, or why he was executed. All the other officials of Agp are in here which leaves only one answer as I see it. But that's war! Said party may have had another side to the story that we don't know and many of us are hoping that this execution is only a rumor so that we may some day know the full story.
And speaking of people that change their nationality, there were two in our immediate shanty that turned yellow when the pressure was applied; one, formerly connected with the Army who destroyed a U.S. passport and other equipment and kept only a foreign birth certificate for identification. However, when things got tough on the outside and the Japs issued stern warnings to foreigners to register, they got scared stiff and finally came into camp. If the U.S. was a little more strict in their admission of foreigners to U.S. Citizenship, they might value it more highly. On the other hand, you will probably find native born citizens who are no better and ready to jump on any band-wagon to save their selfish flesh and blood. It gets me!!
There is considerable air activity around here today; guess they are out after Corregidor again. We have had very little news lately. Even the K.G.E.I. transcripts have nothing on the Philippine situation. We have either been forgotten, or this is the calm before the storm. Quien sabe! We have heard nothing on the Bataan situation lately or what has been done with the sixty thousand troops that have been taken prisoners.
April 24, 1942
There seems to be a great wave of optimism lately along the lines of rumors. Planes continue to bomb Japan and our forces are reportedly moving up from Australia, sweeping the Japs as they roll along. It is also rumored that our forces have landed on the southern tip of Luzon at a town named Legaspi. All last night we could hear a heavy movement of tanks and trucks moving northward, which according to the optimists is Japs retreating from the south. It does add up and maybe there is something to it. Who knows?
Here's a rich one! After being in camp for over three and one half months, yesterday I met a man by the name of Calvert, who received a letter from his wife in San Francisco on the last clipper to come to these parts, telling him all about meeting you and your mother and you coming out here. We had quite a little chat comparing notes, etc; and both look forward to having a big "bust" when you and his wife do come out here. The fact that both you and his wife just missed by bare inches, in getting caught in this mess gave us much in common to be grateful for. Every time I think how close you came to being caught, cold chills run up and down my spine. Mr. Calvert seems to be a very fine chap and a regular fellow. Will undoubtedly see more of him from now on. He is from San Francisco also so we get along O.K.
It is surprising, that although we are all cooped up here together, weeks go by with out seeing certain ones we know. Just this morning I met a fellow who I thought had been out on a pass as I had not seen him for some time, but he had been here all the time, same as I, and wondered whether I had been out. I have been thinking of trying to get out for a day to get some money and incidently a "snoot-full," but passes are hard to get so am not planning on it too keenly. Havn't had a drink in almost four months so guess I can get along without it for a little while longer.
Here's a rich one! After being in camp for over three and one half months, yesterday I met a man by the name of Calvert, who received a letter from his wife in San Francisco on the last clipper to come to these parts, telling him all about meeting you and your mother and you coming out here. We had quite a little chat comparing notes, etc; and both look forward to having a big "bust" when you and his wife do come out here. The fact that both you and his wife just missed by bare inches, in getting caught in this mess gave us much in common to be grateful for. Every time I think how close you came to being caught, cold chills run up and down my spine. Mr. Calvert seems to be a very fine chap and a regular fellow. Will undoubtedly see more of him from now on. He is from San Francisco also so we get along O.K.
It is surprising, that although we are all cooped up here together, weeks go by with out seeing certain ones we know. Just this morning I met a fellow who I thought had been out on a pass as I had not seen him for some time, but he had been here all the time, same as I, and wondered whether I had been out. I have been thinking of trying to get out for a day to get some money and incidently a "snoot-full," but passes are hard to get so am not planning on it too keenly. Havn't had a drink in almost four months so guess I can get along without it for a little while longer.
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