JF Ptak Science Books Quick Post
I came across something late last night, out of place in an out of place basement, a pamphlet entitled Ideals of the New Philippines, and issued by the Japanese propaganda corps. Says so right on the label. It was issued in 1941/2 [This pamphlet is available on our books for sale blog, here.]
There are several essays in this work, all of them address the victory of the Japanese army over the United States and allies (USAFFE), and calling for Filipinos to accept their new responsibilities in rebuilding their country according to Japanese and "Asiatic" ideals. In general the approach to the newly-captive population was that of a liberator, helping the Philippines to "escape from the captivity of the United States". The Japanese call for a "Marshall Petain model of rehabilitation: "... and "you must surmount tremendous difficulties everywhere you go".
There is no escaping the very determined, authoritarian approach: "Filipinos must follow the Japanese way or they will be deemed a traitor to the Philippines and to the Japanese Imperial Army. Those who spread rumors about the return of the US Army to the Philippines are unpardonable criminals because they disturb the tranquility of the country". And "You shall never regret your collaborations with us."
Yosihide Hayasi (Director General of the Japanese Occupation) writes strongly of the anti-Imperialist efforts of Japan and their Army's liberating efforts, and the plan to spring about a great Asiatic Asia, free of Western influences "and the eradication of Anglo Saxon and Western imperialism". "Believing in the superior blood of Asiatic people" "the Filipinos will wash away the defects of the Anglo Saxons". There is a further short essay by Jorge Vargas ("Chairman of the Executive Committee), entitled "Philippine Islands Grateful to Japanese". There is also appended (from pp 28-37) the Field Service Code of the Japanese Army, heavy belief in strength, discipline, honor, obedience.
The Philippines fell to the Japanese weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and was not liberated for another three+ years. And it was a very grueling liberation, particularly in Manila, where the month-long battle to free the city resulted in the death of 100,000 Manila residents.
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