Australian 'Comfort Woman' Survivor to Testify Before Congress on February 15

[islander]

It was a popular practice to use these women as sex slaves was it not?

There were camps set up where the women were kept and used for "comfort" was there not?

There were thousands of these "comfort" women correct?

The government knew about what these women were used for correct?

Therefore yes it was policy of the Japanese authorities. If the government and the high ranking Japanese officers did not do anything to stop it then it was policy.

The anwers to your questions are all "Yes." The point is corercion, deception, and kidnapping. If you are under the impression that the military authorities issued a directive to officiers to go out and kidnap 200,000 women and send them to the warfronts, you are wrong. That's not what happened, although official documents confirm that there were many tragic cases of kidnapping and deceptions by subcontractors, brothel recruiters. Another official document shows that the authoriteis, upon receiving reports on cases of illegal recruiting, demanded local officiers to remove brothels that were involved in illegal recruiting and violence on women from subcontract.

There is also a U.S. Army report that describes the lives of Korean comfort women in detail.
___________________________________________________

Report No. 49: Japanese POW Interrogation on Prostitution.
UNITED STATES
OFFICE OF WAR INFORMATION
Psychological Warfare Team
Attached to
U.S. Army Forces
India-Burma Theater
APO 689
Japanese Prisoner
of War Interrogation
Report No. 49. Place interrogated: Ledo Stockade
Date Interrogated: Aug. 20 - Sept. 10, 1944
Date of Report: October 1, 1944
By: T/3 Alex Yorichi
Prisoners: 20 Korean Comfort Girls
Date of Capture: August 10, 1944
Date of Arrival: August 15, 1994
at Stockade
PREFACE

This report is based on the information obtained from the interrogation of twenty Korean "comfort girls" and two Japanese civilians captured around the tenth of August, 1944 in the mopping up operations after the fall of Myitkyin a in Burma.

The report shows how the Japanese recruited these Korean "comfort girls", the conditions under which they lived and worked, their relations with and reaction to the Japanese soldier, and their understanding of the military situation.

A "comfort girl" is nothing more than a prostitute or "professional camp follower" attached to the Japanese Army for the benefit of the soldiers. The word "comfort girl" is peculiar to the Japanese. Other reports show the "comfort girls" have been found wherever it was necessary for the Japanese Army to fight. This report however deals only with the Korean "comfort girls" recruited by the Japanese and attached to their Army in Burma. The Japanese are reported to have shipped some 703 of these girls to Burma in 1942.

RECRUITING;

Early in May of 1942 Japanese agents arrived in Korea for the purpose of enlisting Korean girls for "comfort service" in newly conquered Japanese territories in Southeast Asia. The nature of this "service" was not specified but it was assumed to be work connected with visiting the wounded in hospitals, rolling bandages, and generally making the soldiers happy. The inducement used by these agents was plenty of money, an opportunity to pay off the family debts, easy work, and the prospect of a new life in a new land, Singapore. On the basis of these false representations many girls enlisted for overseas duty and were rewarded with an advance of a few hundred yen.

The majority of the girls were ignorant and uneducated, although a few had been connected with "oldest profession on earth" before. The contract they signed bound them to Army regulations and to war for the "house master " for a period of from six months to a year depending on the family debt for which they were advanced ...

Approximately 800 of these girls were recruited in this manner and they landed with their Japanese "house master " at Rangoon around August 20th, 1942. They came in groups of from eight to twenty-two. From here they were distributed to various parts of Burma, usually to fair sized towns near Japanese Army camps.
Eventually four of these units reached the Myitkyina. They were, Kyoei, Kinsui, Bakushinro, and Momoya. The Kyoei house was called the "Maruyama Club", but was changed when the girls reached Myitkyina as Col.Maruyama, commander of the garrison at Myitkyina, objected to the similarity to his name.

PERSONALITY;

The interrogations show the average Korean "comfort girl" to be about twenty-five years old, uneducated, childish, and selfish. She is not pretty either by Japanese of Caucasian standards. She is inclined to be egotistical and likes to talk about herself. Her attitude in front of strangers is quiet and demure, but she "knows the wiles of a woman." She claims to dislike her "profession" and would rather not talk either about it or her family. Because of the kind treatment she received as a prisoner from American soldiers at Myitkyina and Ledo, she feels that they are more emotional than Japanese soldiers. She is afraid of Chinese and Indian troops.

 

[islander]

LIVING AND WORKING CONDITIONS;

In Myitkyina the girls were usually quartered in a large two story house (usually a school building) with a separate room for each girl. There each girl lived, slept, and transacted business. In Myitkina their food was prepared by and purchased from the "house master" as they received no regular ration from the Japanese Army. They lived in near-luxury in Burma in comparison to other places. This was especially true of their second year in Burma. They lived well because their food and material was not heavily rationed and they had plenty of money with which to purchase desired articles. They were able to buy cloth, shoes, cigarettes, and cosmetics to supplement the many gifts given to them by soldiers who had received "comfort bags" from home.

While in Burma they amused themselves by participating in sports events with both officers and men, and attended picnics, entertainments, and social dinners. They had a phonograph and in the towns they were allowed to go shopping.

PRIOR SYSTEM;

The conditions under which they transacted business were regulated by the Army, and in congested areas regulations were strictly enforced. The Army found it necessary in congested areas to install a system of prices, priorities, and schedules for the various units operating in a particular areas. According to interrogations the average system was as follows:

1. Soldiers 10 AM to 5 PM 1.50 yen 20 to 30 minutes
2. NCOs 5 PM to 9 PM 3.00 yen 30 to 40 minutes
3. Officers 9 PM to 12 PM 5.00 yen

30 to 40 minutes

These were average prices in Central Burma. Officers were allowed to stay overnight for twenty yen. In Myitkyina Col. Maruyama slashed the prices to almost one-half of the average price.

SCHEDULES;

The soldiers often complained about congestion in the houses. In many situations they were not served and had to leave as the army was very strict about overstaying. In order to overcome this problem the Army set aside certain days for certain units. Usually two men from the unit for the day were stationed at the house to identify soldiers. A roving MP was also on hand to keep order. Following is the schedule used by the "Kyoei" house for the various units of the 18th Division while at Naymyo.

Sunday 18th Div. Hdqs. Staff
Monday Cavalry
Tuesday Engineers
Wednesday Day off and weekly physical exam.

Thursday
Medics
Friday Mountain artillery

Saturday
Transport

Officers were allowed to come seven nights a week. The girls complained that even with the schedule congestion was so great that they could not care for all guests, thus causing ill feeling among many of the soldiers.

Soldiers would come to the house, pay the price and get tickets of cardboard about two inches square with the prior on the left side and the name of the house on the other side. Each soldier's identity or rank was then established after which he "took his turn in line". The girls were allowed the prerogative of refusing a customer. This was often done if the person were too drunk.

PAY AND LIVING CONDITIONS;

The "house master" received fifty to sixty per cent of the girls' gross earnings depending on how much of a debt each girl had incurred when she signed her contract. This meant that in an average month a girl would gross about fifteen hundred yen. She turned over seven hundred and fifty to the "master". Many "masters" made life very difficult for the girls by charging them high prices for food and other articles.

In the latter part of 1943 the Army issued orders that certain girls who had paid their debt could return home. Some of the girls were thus allowed to return to Korea.

The interrogations further show that the health of these girls was good. They were well supplied with all types of contraceptives, and often soldiers would bring their own which had been supplied by the army. They were well trained in looking after both themselves and customers in the matter of hygiene. A regular Japanese Army doctor visited the houses once a week and any girl found diseased was given treatment, secluded, and eventually sent to a hospital. This same procedure was carried on within the ranks of the Army itself, but it is interesting to note that a soldier did not lose pay during the period he was confined.

REACTIONS TO JAPANESE SOLDIERS;

In their relations with the Japanese officers and men only two names of any consequence came out of interrogations. They were those of Col. Maruyama, commander of the garrison at Myitkyina and Maj. Gen.Mizukami, who brought in reinforcements. The two were exact opposites. The former was hard, selfish and repulsive with no consideration for his men; the latter a good, kind man and a fine soldier, with the utmost consideration for those who worked under him. The Colonel was a constant habitué of the houses while the General was never known to have visited them. With the fall of Myitkyina, Col. Maruyama supposedly deserted while Gen. Mizukami committed suicide because he could not evacuate the men.

SOLDIERS REACTIONS;

The average Japanese soldier is embarrassed about being seen in a "comfort house" according to one of the girls who said, "when the place is packed he is apt to be ashamed if he has to wait in line for his turn". However there were numerous instances of proposals of marriage and in certain cases marriages actually took place.

All the girls agreed that the worst officers and men who came to see them were those who were drunk and leaving for the front the following day. But all likewise agreed that even though very drunk the Japanese soldier never discussed military matters or secrets with them. Though the girls might start the conversation about some military matter the officer or enlisted man would not talk, but would in fact "scold us for discussing such un-lady like subjects. Even Col. Maruyama when drunk would never discuss such matters."

The soldiers would often express how much they enjoyed receiving magazines, letters and newspapers from home. They also mentioned the receipt of "comfort bags" filled with canned goods, magazines, soap, handkerchiefs, toothbrush, miniature doll, lipstick, and wooden clothes. The lipstick and cloths were feminine and the girls couldn't understand why the people at home were sending such articles. They speculated that the sender could only have had themselves or the "native girls".

MILITARY SITUATION;

"In the initial attack on Myitleyna and the airstrip about two hundred Japanese died in battle, leaving about two hundred to defend the town. Ammunition was very low.

"Col. Maruyama dispersed his men. During the following days the enemy were shooting haphazardly everywhere. It was a waste since they didn't seem to aim at any particular thing. The Japanese soldiers on the other hand had orders to fire one shot at a time and only when they were sure of a hit."

Before the enemy attacked on the west airstrip, soldiers stationed around Myitkyina were dispatched elsewhere, to storm the Allied attack in the North and West. About four hundred men were left behind, largely from the 114th Regiment. Evidently Col. Maruyama did not expect the town to be attacked. Later Maj. Gen. Mizukami of the 56th Division brought in reinforcements of more than two regiments but these were unable to hold the town.

It was the consensus among the girls that Allied bombings were intense and frightening and because of them they spent most of their last days in foxholes. One or two even carried on work there. The comfort houses were bombed and several of the girls were wounded and killed.

RETREAT AND CAPTURE;

The story of the retreat and final capture of the "comfort girls" is somewhat vague and confused in their own minds. From various reports it appears that the following occurred: on the night of July 31st a party of sixty three people including the "comfort girls" of three houses (Bakushinro was merged with Kinsui), families, and helpers, started across the Irrawaddy River in small boats. They eventually landed somewhere near Waingmaw, They stayed there until August 4th, but never entered Waingmaw. From there they followed in the path of a group of soldiers until August 7th when there was a skirmish with the enemy and the party split up. The girls were ordered to follow the soldiers after three-hour interval. They did this only to find themselves on the bank of a river with no sign of the soldiers or any mea ns of crossing. They remained in a nearby house until August 10th when they were captured by Kaahin soldiers led by an English officer. They were taken to Myitleyina and then to the Ledo stockade where the interrogation which form the basis of this report took place.

REQUESTS

None of the girls appeared to have heard the loudspeaker used at Myitkyina but very did overhear the soldiers mention a "radio broadcast."

They asked that leaflets telling of the capture of the "comfort girls" should not be used for it would endanger the lives of other girls if the Army knew of their capture. They did think it would be a good idea to utilize the fact of their capture in any droppings planned for Korea.

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Yes but Austalians Women and about the vast majority of these women were not "recruited" they were forced to do so. The government knew about this, they did not stop it. Guilty...

The fact that it was done is no longer the problem though. The problem is this:

The Japanese Govenment tries to deny the fact that it happened. It has removed the information from history books used in schools. This is wrong. Denial is illegal.

For instance in Germany if you deny the Holocaust you go to jail.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

Very good information islander, we appreciate your input!

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Agreed

 

[Emac44]

I appreciate Islanders input but he has only addreesed one area in Burma and one only interegation done after the heat of battle. The Majority of COMFORT WOMEN were not lured into being Prostitutes by the Japanese Army and Military for extra money or food or to pay of some obscure family debt. And those women who were forced to service regiments of Japanese Soldiers elsewhere have a some what different tale to tell than Islander

I expect next from Islander that my own Uncle had a wonderful time in Changi in Singapore as a POW for 3 1/2 years under the Japanese Military. Or 100,000 Filippinos didn't die in Manila or maybe the Rape of Nanking didn't happen. Maybe by this time Islander you might have realised I am not buying the denials ok

I read with interest the report Islander has placed on the website. Very good. However it does not address the fundamental issue that other women have a varying tale of their own to say about being COMFORT WOMEN. Islander just tell me precisely how Mrs Jan Ruff O'Hearn was co-erced into being a Prostitute for the Japanese Army. She being a Western Women would have had some what better education then the average Korean Girl. Your one single report details about. Just exactly how a Western Woman with a good education be tricked into being a COMFORT WOMAN servicing Japanese Soldiers by rolling bandages and visiting them at a hospital by agents of the a military contractors. And now tell me that 200,000 plus other Asian/Western Women were stupid enough to believe this fanciful tale from same military contractors.. So you believe Islander that taken by an account of 20 to 30 Korean Girls captured in Burma in 1944 by Allied forces represents more than 200,000 other women who have had different experiences then those 20 to 30 Korean Girls captured in Burma. Some how some one if fudging the figures or denying these other women had a different experience or even exsisted. You have addressed the issue of 20 to 30 Korean girls who became prostitutes by co-ercion you have not addressed the issue of 200,000 women who had no desire to be sex slaves to Japanese Soldiers.

Good god almighty Islander Japan has denied Nanking Massacre ever occured and in same breathe is virtually saying no other Massacres occured. Do you expect us to believe all the Massacres were done by 1 Contractors 2 Brothel Owners or runners 3 Some Minor Government Official 4 Low Ranking Japanese Officers who run wild and disobeyed orders from higher command. 5 Rapes and murders of Civilian Women didn't occur in such places like Singapore or Hong Kong or Philippines or Indonesia or even Thailand. What exactly Islander is Japan trying to deny here? Oh by the way Islander I have known about the Rape of Nanking for nearly 30 years and do not bother directing me to You Tube.com Japanese denial videos because I have seen them already and the propaganda videos your own military took in China at the time. I have also seen other photos and film that your own military took of beheadings of Civilians POWs Children and Native Population of various other areas the Japanese Military had come into contact with or invaded

But do not take this as me being anti Japanese I am not. I do not blame the Japanese of today for the crimes your grand fathers committed but to continue to deny that crimes did occur that is what others are trying to impress on Japan. Just because the crimes happened 70 to 60 years ago makes no difference. For example if you committed a crime like murder at 20 years of age and were captured for your crime at 90 years of age time does not make you innocent of committing the original crime and you should not be punished for it 70 years later because it was so long ago, now does it? What your neighbours in Asia and elsewhere are asking Islander is for Japan to admit its guilt and teach your children in schools about what Japan had done during and before WW2. It isn't that difficult to do so. The Germans have done so by admitting their guilt in WW2. So why can't Japan do the same?

 

[Cojimar 1945]

These war-crimes don't seem like they would be in Japan's best interest. Such conduct could harm the opinion of Japan in foreign countries. Were most Japanese civilians aware of these atrocites?

 

[Emac44]

These war-crimes don't seem like they would be in Japan's best interest. Such conduct could harm the opinion of Japan in foreign countries. Were most Japanese civilians aware of these atrocites?

Yes they knew alright about these War crimes. Nanking was known all the way up to the Imperial Palace as the Emperors own Uncle was in charge of Army Regiments in Nanking in 1937 to 1938. The Japanese Government knew of these War Crimes as Allied POWs were in forced labour camps in Japan working as slave labour. The Japanese people themselves were fed a variety of propaganda by their own Government of the progress of the War. For example the Japanese People were not told of the Battle of Midway and out come of Midway. They the Govt told the people Japan had another victory when the opposite was true. the Military knew of the War Crimes. They had to they were committing most of them any way. The Japanese Govt knew of the War Crimes as they were funding the military in military conquests and the Emperor and Palace Knew as relatives of the Emperor were serving in the military. The Japanese people knew of conquests of Asia and the Pacific. Japan didn't give a ****ing toss what others saw was in Japans best interest. This was Japan in 1931 to 1945 not some higher forms of political correctness debate Cojimar. What part of all the links and information are you not understanding about what the Japanese Govt did between 1931 to 1945

 

[Cojimar 1945]

I understand that the Japanese committed many crimes during this period.

Did people in Australia know much about the atrocities in China committed by the Japanese prior to war breaking out with Japan?

 

[FLYBOYJ]

I understand that the Japanese committed many crimes during this period.

Did people in Australia know much about the atrocities in China committed by the Japanese prior to war breaking out with Japan?

In the US we did and it was one of the reason why FDR stopped selling Japan strategic material.

 

[Emac44]

I understand that the Japanese committed many crimes during this period.

Did people in Australia know much about the atrocities in China committed by the Japanese prior to war breaking out with Japan?

Yes it was known about what Japan was doing from 1931 to 1941. Funnily enough Australia might be in the Southern Hemisphere but we did have access to NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD due to telegraph lines placed under sea with Asia and the US and newspaper reports from our own correspondants travelling over seas with our own Military and we were still a part of the British Commonwealth. Australia was at war from 3rd September 1939 to August 1945. Australia placed embargos on Japan from selling iron to Japan during that period of time. Cojimar you do not seem to know much about that time in history do you?. By the way Conjimar WW2 began on 3rd September 1939 ok. And also Australia sent troops to Singapore to strengthen the garrison there from 1939 to 1941 at bequest of the British Government. So yes Australia did know what was going on in Asia. Where do you think Australia is in bloody Europe

 

[Cojimar 1945]

I thought World War II was commonly considered to have started September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland rather than September 3rd. The initial 2 days of the attack on Poland prior to the declarations of war against Germany seem to be generally considered part of WWII.

On the other hand some would argue that WWII started with the Japanese invasions of China in 1931 and 1937.

 

[Emac44]

Germany attacked Poland 1 week prior to 1st September 1939. Britian gave an ultimatim to Germany on 1st September 1939 to withdraw all troops from Poland on 1st September 1939. Britian and her Commonwealth declared war on Germany on 3rd September 1939. War began on 3rd of September 1939 not the 1st September due to England giving Germany 48 hours to respond to demands laid down by England for Germany to begin withdrawing troops from Poland. This also includes France supporting England at the time when France and England had treaties with Poland. And it was Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and the British Parliament and also in consquence all the Commonwealth Nations with England declared War on Germany from the 3rd September 1939. For up to 6 months from that date was known as the Phoney War until the British Expeditionary Forces (BEF) had established in France and Belguim with French Troops etc. War at sea had already began from 3rd September 1939. Italy declared War on Britian and France in 1940 just prior to Dunkirk.

Japan declared War on USA Britian and Commonwealth from 7/8th December 1941. Germany declared war on USA from 9th December and Italy followed soon afterwards

Japan had already invaded Manchuria by 1931 to 1933 and later into other parts of China from 1937 onwards. Attacks on Shanghi Nanking and other major coastal areas of China. Japan initiated attacks on China with a staged incident at Marco Polo Bridge and other staged incidents as a pre curser to war with China. Japan had also in the Manchurian areas had border disputes with Russia in 1938 but the Russian soundly beat the Japanese and the Japanese called for a truce with the Russians. It wasn't until 8th August 1945 that USSR declared war on Japan after Russia tore up the non aggression pact she had signed with Japan in 1941, Stalin had torn the Non Agression Pact treaty up on 14th April 1945. Japan had also signed treaties with both Germany and Italy forming a Tri Part Steel Pact with Germany and Italy bringing the 3 fascists nation together.

USSR had a Non Agression Pact with Germany as well and part of the deal with Russia was that nation was to move into parts of Poland as well. Poland was to be the buffer zone between Germany and Russia. Stalin and Hitler tore Poland in 2 sections and absorbing both under the agreement signed between USSR and Germany

However you could say that the European War began in different areas. 1st place Spanish Civil War 2nd place Russo Finnish War 1938/9. Or consider the whole European part of WW2 never finished from the 11th November 1918 and that WW2 was stage 2 from WW1.

The other reason for the situation with Japan invading Manchuria and then China. Japan left the League of Nations refusing to end aggression towards China and Manchuria. Remember Manchuria was still under the quasi govenrmental rule from Peking via the Chinese Emperor but the Emperor had virtually signed deals with Japan to become a puppet ruler of the Manchurian region and he was having guide lines set down by Japanese Govt. Japan was under pressure from League of Nations from USA Great Britian and her Commonwealth Holland France and several other nations in Europe and Asia. And that answers your question previously if other nations knew about Japan and her agression into Manchuria and China. It came via Japan leaving League of Nations and sanctions being placed on Japan at the time

 

[JG57_Rall]

Hi Islander,
Wow. I sure am glad you pointed out that those comfort girls were volunteers. I almost believed this and the other girls stories.

Ex-S.Korea Sex Slaves Recall Humiliation

By BO-MI LIM
The Associated Press
Wednesday, March 7, 2007; 5:14 AM


GWANGJU, South Korea -- Lee Ok-seon's three years as a sex slave for Japanese soldiers began on a summer day when two men snatched her off a street in broad daylight. Before she realized what was happening, she was on a train to China, where humiliation and brutal beatings awaited.

She was just 15, one of thousands of girls and women across Asia who were kidnapped and forced into providing sex for Japanese troops during World War II.

Among the few still alive in South Korea today, she was incensed to hear Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe say last week that there was no proof they were coerced into prostitution.

His comments came as the U.S. House of Representatives considers a resolution urging Japan to formally apologize for its treatment of the so-called "comfort women."

"They took away other people's young daughters only to beat them to death, make them sick to death and starve them to death," said Lee, her speech slurred because she is missing her lower front teeth from a beating she said she suffered as a sex slave.

"And now they say there was no coercion in taking us. How evil are they?" she said Tuesday in Gwangju, 30 miles south of Seoul, where she and eight other women share a shelter for former sex slaves that includes a museum.

Now 79, Lee is among 113 remaining South Korean survivors of the Japanese military brothels that were widespread throughout Asia in the 1930s and '40s. For years the women have staged weekly rallies at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, demanding an apology and compensation from Tokyo.

Japan acknowledged in the 1990s that its military set up and ran brothels for its troops. But it has rejected most compensation claims, saying they were settled by postwar treaties. And though the government issued an apology in 1993, it was never approved by parliament.

Abe said Monday there is no need for Japan to apologize again, and his government made it clear Wednesday that it was sticking to that position.

"The U.S. resolution is not based on objective facts and does not take into consideration the responses that we have taken so far. Therefore, we will not offer a fresh apology," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki.
The resolution does not recommend that Japan pay reparations.

It does urge Japan to reject those who say the sexual enslavement never happened and to educate children about the women's experiences.
Historians say thousands of women _ as many as 200,000 by some accounts _ worked in the brothels.

But prominent Japanese scholars and politicians routinely deny direct military involvement or the use of force in rounding up the women, blaming private contractors for any abuses. The government also has questioned the 200,000 women figure.

Abe's comments touched off fresh criticism from China, South Korea and the Philippines, which say Tokyo has not fully atoned.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing urged Japan to "stand up to this part of history, take responsibility and seriously view and properly handle this issue."

Lee said she was abducted in July 1942 in the southern city of Ulsan. Two large men grabbed her by the arms while she was on her way to the restaurant where she worked. She kicked and screamed, to no avail.

She was thrown into a truck with five Korean girls _ also about 15 years old _ and taken by train to Yanji in northeastern China, which was occupied by Japan at the time. There she said she was confined to a brothel and forced to "serve as many soldiers as we can to pay them back for providing us clothes and food."

A woman might have sex with as many as 30 soldiers a day. Typically she worked in a 40-square-foot room furnished with a wooden bed and a hard mattress, according to replica at the museum in Gwangju. Often the only other object was a tin basin, dimly lit by a single bulb.

Women who refused to comply were beaten and stabbed with knives, Lee said, showing scars on her right arm and foot. She said she suffered lasting damage to her uterus and nearly went deaf from the frequent blows.

Many women died, if not from the beatings then from starvation, she said, and their bodies were tossed out on the streets "to be eaten by dogs."

One of her friends at the brothel became pregnant and the baby was taken away at birth, never to be seen by its mother again.

After the war ended, the stigma stayed with the women.

Like many former sex slaves, Moon Pil-ki said she couldn't even think of marrying because she was so ashamed of her past.

"It wasn't my fault, but still I was shameful," Moon said. "Do you know how much it hurts to have your whole youth stolen? They made us all cripples."
"If I ever see Abe, I want to slap him, and knock some sense into his head

This is a copy of an ex Comfort Girls story.
It does not sound like she was or the other girls were recruited, it sounds more like they were shanghaied. Thanks for pointing out that these girls were lying, and that they were just a bunch of whores that volunteered to go to Japan.
Rall

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Germany attacked Poland 1 week prior to 1st September 1939. Britian gave an ultimatim to Germany on 1st September 1939 to withdraw all troops from Poland on 1st September 1939.

Sorry Emac but that is wrong.

Germany did not invade Poland until 0440 on Sept. 1, 1939. It was called Fall Weiss.

There was a "staged" Polish Attack on 31 Aug 1939 that the Germans used as there reasoning for the invasion.

The invasion of Poland by Germany was on Sept. 1, 1939 and went down as follows.

0440: Luftwaffe attack Polish town of Wieluń.

0445: German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish military transit depot at Westerplatte, in the Free City of Danzig on the Baltic Sea.

0800: Without formal declaration of war German ground forces attack Poland near the town of Mokra.

Later that day, the Germans opened fronts along Poland's western, southern and northern borders, while German aircraft began raids on Polish cities.

The Allied governments declared war on Germany on September 3; however, they failed to provide Poland with any meaningful support.

 

[Emac44]

Hi Islander,
Wow. I sure am glad you pointed out that those comfort girls were volunteers. I almost believed this and the other girls stories.

Ex-S.Korea Sex Slaves Recall Humiliation

By BO-MI LIM
The Associated Press
Wednesday, March 7, 2007; 5:14 AM


GWANGJU, South Korea -- Lee Ok-seon's three years as a sex slave for Japanese soldiers began on a summer day when two men snatched her off a street in broad daylight. Before she realized what was happening, she was on a train to China, where humiliation and brutal beatings awaited.

She was just 15, one of thousands of girls and women across Asia who were kidnapped and forced into providing sex for Japanese troops during World War II.

Among the few still alive in South Korea today, she was incensed to hear Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe say last week that there was no proof they were coerced into prostitution.

His comments came as the U.S. House of Representatives considers a resolution urging Japan to formally apologize for its treatment of the so-called "comfort women."

"They took away other people's young daughters only to beat them to death, make them sick to death and starve them to death," said Lee, her speech slurred because she is missing her lower front teeth from a beating she said she suffered as a sex slave.

"And now they say there was no coercion in taking us. How evil are they?" she said Tuesday in Gwangju, 30 miles south of Seoul, where she and eight other women share a shelter for former sex slaves that includes a museum.

Now 79, Lee is among 113 remaining South Korean survivors of the Japanese military brothels that were widespread throughout Asia in the 1930s and '40s. For years the women have staged weekly rallies at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, demanding an apology and compensation from Tokyo.

Japan acknowledged in the 1990s that its military set up and ran brothels for its troops. But it has rejected most compensation claims, saying they were settled by postwar treaties. And though the government issued an apology in 1993, it was never approved by parliament.

Abe said Monday there is no need for Japan to apologize again, and his government made it clear Wednesday that it was sticking to that position.

"The U.S. resolution is not based on objective facts and does not take into consideration the responses that we have taken so far. Therefore, we will not offer a fresh apology," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki.
The resolution does not recommend that Japan pay reparations.

It does urge Japan to reject those who say the sexual enslavement never happened and to educate children about the women's experiences.
Historians say thousands of women _ as many as 200,000 by some accounts _ worked in the brothels.

But prominent Japanese scholars and politicians routinely deny direct military involvement or the use of force in rounding up the women, blaming private contractors for any abuses. The government also has questioned the 200,000 women figure.

Abe's comments touched off fresh criticism from China, South Korea and the Philippines, which say Tokyo has not fully atoned.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing urged Japan to "stand up to this part of history, take responsibility and seriously view and properly handle this issue."

Lee said she was abducted in July 1942 in the southern city of Ulsan. Two large men grabbed her by the arms while she was on her way to the restaurant where she worked. She kicked and screamed, to no avail.

She was thrown into a truck with five Korean girls _ also about 15 years old _ and taken by train to Yanji in northeastern China, which was occupied by Japan at the time. There she said she was confined to a brothel and forced to "serve as many soldiers as we can to pay them back for providing us clothes and food."

A woman might have sex with as many as 30 soldiers a day. Typically she worked in a 40-square-foot room furnished with a wooden bed and a hard mattress, according to replica at the museum in Gwangju. Often the only other object was a tin basin, dimly lit by a single bulb.

Women who refused to comply were beaten and stabbed with knives, Lee said, showing scars on her right arm and foot. She said she suffered lasting damage to her uterus and nearly went deaf from the frequent blows.

Many women died, if not from the beatings then from starvation, she said, and their bodies were tossed out on the streets "to be eaten by dogs."

One of her friends at the brothel became pregnant and the baby was taken away at birth, never to be seen by its mother again.

After the war ended, the stigma stayed with the women.

Like many former sex slaves, Moon Pil-ki said she couldn't even think of marrying because she was so ashamed of her past.

"It wasn't my fault, but still I was shameful," Moon said. "Do you know how much it hurts to have your whole youth stolen? They made us all cripples."
"If I ever see Abe, I want to slap him, and knock some sense into his head

This is a copy of an ex Comfort Girls story.
It does not sound like she was or the other girls were recruited, it sounds more like they were shanghaied. Thanks for pointing out that these girls were lying, and that they were just a bunch of whores that volunteered to go to Japan.
Rall

Rall I am aghasted. I hope you are being cynical towards Islander. These women were not whores as you have said in your posting they were used as prostitutes by force by the Japanese Military. And even though Prime Minister Abe has denied this and blames contractors it still means those contractors were paid by the Japanese Military and Government to supply these women to be used as Comfort Women. Who are you to say nearly 200,000 women are lying and the proof of such. Quiet a few of these women were Western Women captured by the Japanese in such places as Malaya Indonesia Singapore etc. You have managed to turn around and in one sentance and said all Comfort Women were Whores based on one posting by Islander and that over 200,000 women with similar stories of abuse rape beatings starvation are all lying whores who stuck their hand up to volunterr to be prostitutes for the Japanese Military. I bet mother will be pleased when you tell her this Rall.

And I suppose you believe none of the other atrocities occured either Rall. Committed by the Japanese during and before WW2. If Islander comes back in here and said the Princess Alexandria Hospital Massacre didn't occur in 1942 on the Island of Singapore you would believe it. That the Nurses were not brutally raped and the doctors and the staff plus all the patients were not shot beheaded or bayonetted to death its just a fabrication made up by the English. Good god perhaps you need to read this from the Japanese Government in 1993

MOFA: Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono on the result of the study on the issue of "comfort women"

Which recognized what had occured prior to WW2 and during WW2 to women from Asian Countries. If you had not ralized that the Government of Japan had also a fund for Comfort Women but most of these women do not except this as a formal appology by the Japanese Govt or fair compensation for their life as comfort women. But these women are quiet rightly saying they have received no formal apology from the Japanese Govt even though the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono Statement had shown that Japan had indeed been involved in this dispictable act against these women 60 to 70 years ago. It was virtually an admission of guilt but with excuses that the Japanese Govt issued in 1993 to these women. Perhaps you need to google search the internet on the subject of Comfort Women a bit more before making such a statement from 1 piece of documentation that Islander has put in this site. And the current Japanese Govt has virtually done a backflip on this issue from the Japanese Govt of 1993 and is denying the issues of the Comfort Women yet the Asian Womens Fund still exsist. And can be donated to as such. If as such as you and Islander claim is a farce then why had the Japanese Govt recognised their own studies prior to 1993 on this issue. Then issued an half felt apology by the Govt set up the Asian Womens Fund then 14 years later Prime Minister Abe of Japan says its virtually all bullshit and says these women virtually volunteered for being prostitutes. You tell me Rall if that makes any sense to you because it certainly doesn't make sense to me as for Japan saying one thing 14 odd years ago now saying something completely different. But one thing Rall you have no excuse calling these women Whores and should be ashamed of yourself in doing so

 

[Emac44]

Sorry Emac but that is wrong.

Germany did not invade Poland until 0440 on Sept. 1, 1939. It was called Fall Weiss.

There was a "staged" Polish Attack on 31 Aug 1939 that the Germans used as there reasoning for the invasion.

The invasion of Poland by Germany was on Sept. 1, 1939 and went down as follows.

0440: Luftwaffe attack Polish town of Wieluń.

0445: German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish military transit depot at Westerplatte, in the Free City of Danzig on the Baltic Sea.

0800: Without formal declaration of war German ground forces attack Poland near the town of Mokra.

Later that day, the Germans opened fronts along Poland's western, southern and northern borders, while German aircraft began raids on Polish cities.

The Allied governments declared war on Germany on September 3; however, they failed to provide Poland with any meaningful support.

Yes I got it wrong about Poland/Germany Adler. However war was not declared by the British and Commonwealth Governments and of course the French Government until 3rd September 1939 but still England gave Germany 48 hours to respond which was from the 1st September 1939 to 3rd September 1939. And yes Adler there wasn't much support England could give Poland at that stage except declare war on Germany which they had done by 3rd September 1939 by the British Parliament at the time

 

[JG57_Rall]

Emac44.
Of course I was being sarcastic! I was shocked by Islanders post. And think if anyone should be ashamed it would be Islander. As well as the whole Japanese Nation. I presumed that anyone reading my post would understand that!
Rall

 

[Emac44]

Ok Rall I understand you was being sarcastic. But at first reading it didn't come of like that and especially your last 2 sentances about the women being WHORES. I apparently didn't see it as you being sarcastic to Islander and took as an insult to these women who had suffered greatly. A misunderstanding on my part of what you was doing

 

[JG57_Rall]

Ok Rall I understand you was being sarcastic. But at first reading it didn't come of like that and especially your last 2 sentances about the women being WHORES. I apparently didn't see it as you being sarcastic to Islander and took as an insult to these women who had suffered greatly. A misunderstanding on my part of what you was doing

No problem, My sarcasam was not sharp enough or clear enough. Let me put it another way. If that happened to girls from Vermont we would burn the "mother@#$*ers",

​

house to the ground and shoot anything trying to run away! But being a gentleman I posted an article from a legit news agency. with what I thought were digs. Oh well, I believe the women and thier families should be compensated and those responsible own up to their actions.

Rall: