Dear Yuichi:

Enclosed is an up-dated copy of the list of names and current addresses of the Omori X-POWs. An extra copy is included.

Draggan M. called me late Friday afternoon to inform me of the time of the broadcast. I had to put an insert into the envelopes because the lists were already prepared to be sent out to the individuals. I told Draggan I would send him a copy with the enclosure, but he said he may not be able to see it until after the Olympics. Therefore, I would appreciate it if you could show him the enclosure if you see him before then. I would like to have him know the publicity I have given the broadcast and about the publishing of my manuscript.

The past week has been very busy for me in trying to get the list ready and now in getting over 200 ready to be mailed. This has put me far behind in answering correspondence and doing the other necessary activities.

The publisher has requested me to ask you if you would be willing to give a short endorsement for the book so that it could be included in the pre-publication notice which will be sent out. This is a brief statement saying how good it is, how true or accurate it is, or any other statement you wish to say about the manuscript. The publisher also asked if you know of any other Japanese persons who may be willing to read it and give an endorsement. Naturally, it would be better to have someone with a prominent ( important or well known ) name. What about Tojo's son? Do you have any suggestions?

In a previous letter you mentioned that there was an X-POW in Georgia who was with Watanabe in the last camp he was in when the war ended. Could you give me his name and address? Tom Wade mentioned to me at one time about W. being transferred to a camp for officers, but I have not seen any verification or other references to it.

I am looking forward to seeing the CBS Special broadcast. You are becoming a very well publicized person.


Sincerely
B0b


NEWS NOTES: An agreement was signed this month for the publication of my manuscript. A pre-publicationnotice and order form will be sent to each of you as soon as they are ready. If a sufficient number of pre-publication orders are received, the publisher will try to get the book ready earlier than the expected year which it normally takes for completion. I am quoting the summary of the manuscript as given to the publisher so that you may have an advanced idea of its contents and of the desire to achieve the highest degree of accuracy as possible.

LATEST NEWS:The CBS Special is scheduled for prime time on the evening of February 17th. Check the newspaper or with the local CBS TV station for any possible last minute change. It will include the interview CBS had with(Sgt.) Watanabe last March and with several other ex-Omori people.

THE 13th MISSION
By Robert R. Martindale

This is a factual account of how the author's childhood dream, to sail the South Pacific and live on an island with the natives, became a reality during World War 2 and of events which transpired during his nearly three years as a captive of the Japanese in New Guinea, Rabaul and Tokyo.

The author's position as an administrative officer ( Barracks Commander and Camp Work Officer ) gave him a broad view of the activities which occurred and a good insight into the personalities of the various individuals and nationalities confined therein. This knowledge has been enhanced many days of research at the National Archives, over 125 personal interviews with former POWs in Canada,England, Scotland and the United States; plus, extensive correspondence with others in Australia, New Zealand, Holland and Norway. A former Japanese Pay Sergeant at the Omori POW Camp provided additional materials and verifications. The original manuscript was read by the historian of the 90th Bomb Group, a doctor who was in the camp ,several ex-POWs and by the former Pay Sergeant in order to achieve greater accuracy of facts.

This accumulation of materials have enabled the author to provide the most detailed description of the Omori POW Camp and of life, both brutal and comical, within its walls. The often critical portrayals of individuals and nationalities, including the Japanese staff, add a more in-depth study of the camp. Many of the accounts of how the men on the out-side work details out-witted their Japanese guards and supervisors have never been published before. Neither has the most accurate accounts of the deaths and acts of brutalities occurring in the camp and at the job sites been publicized. Brice J. Martin, the victim of one of the worst beating given by the motorious Sergeant Mutsuhiro Watanabe, provided the true reason for his punishment. A war- time photograph of the Japanese Sergeant and how he eluded capture as one of the most wanted war criminals are included. The author describes his introduction to the Japanese Prime Minister, General Hideki Tojo, and how he was the first person to greet his secong American Commodore to land in Japan. Why the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki saved the lives of all prisoners, military and civilian, held by the Japanese is explained. The listing of all POWs held in Omori as of August,1945, will be of interest and value to researchers and historians.