Dear Yuichi:

I have enjoyed your letter of 8/20 and in receiving the photograph of Tobita am Michael Jordon's restaurant. Thank you. I appreciate knowing that Tobita realizes that I was sincere in wanting to see him. It was unfortunate that he was delayed in getting to Philly. A second trip there would have been difficult for me to make at that time due to the timing and to a problem I was having. when I was in Philly my back began to hurt from the bending over to see the various exhibits. I was constant having to sit down for a while until it stopped hurting.The train trip back to the Baltimore airport and the bending over to handle my luggage at the airport were very painful. It still bothers me whenever I do very much bending over. In fact, I had to cancel a trip to San Francisco on the 27th because of this problem.

About six weeks ago I learned that the tall sailing ships would be arriving in S.F. on the 28th. I immediately made plane and hotel reservation in order to to see them sailing into the bay with all of their sails set. Two weeks ago I learned that there would be only one of the old sailing ships ( which are used by the various nations as navy training ships ) would be there. This was due to the sponsoring group not being able to raise enough money for more of them to be there. This one is from Holland. The Latin American countries were not letting their ships to go abroad because of financial difficulties. Having to cancel the quick trip was a disapointment even though there would only be one tall ship there. I believe that I told you about my going to S.F. three years ago when there were eight tall ships ( including one from Japan ) already in port.

I am glad that I have finally explained my relationship with Maher to your satisfaction. However, I cannot explain how he managed to keep peace, security and safety in the camp during the last two weeks while we were there. I can only make some guesses or presumptions. The termination or ending of the Japanese control and authority made everyone realize that they were now becoming more responsible to the authority and regulations of their respective governments. This had the effect of providing the administrative officers in the camp ( like Maher, myself and others ) with renewed respect and authority. Maher's quiet way of doing his duty did not antagonize anyone. Some else who was much more forceful and demanding would have cause a considerable amount of resentfulness between the different nationalities.


Maher worked closely with the representative or senior office of each major nationality in making his decisions. His orders were given to them and to each barracks commander. His use of this chain of command made his orders more acceptable to everyone.

He took his duties and authority very seriously. He also planned ahead in trying to anticipate any eventual or possible trouble. The best illustration of this was in providing security for everyone in the camp. In order to have security, he and the administrative officers had to maintain control and limit the actions of the individuals to the camp. Since we did not know how the Japanese civilians and military would react towards us after the surrender or how the POWs would act towards the Japanese if they were allowed to roam about Tokyo, he and the other senior officers knew that it was important to keep everyone together. The camp's location on the island was a major help in achieving this goal. This would also make it easier to evacuate the POWs when the Allied forces came to remove us.

Maher can be given credit for several actions which were unique to Omori or did not happen in any other camp as far as I know. He let the armed Japanese guards to continue patrolling outside the walls of the camp. He also had me assign some POWs as military police in case it was necessary for us to take the guns from the guards for our own protection or if there was trouble within the camp. To my knowledge, this did not happen in any other camp. There was another reason why there was peace, safety and security in Omori. Most of the POWs knew that it was better for their own welfare and protection to remain together instead of going away from the camp and being by themseves..

Most of what I have said is repetitious because I know that I have stated most of this in my book and in the letters to you. Now in answer to your comment about Maher going back to Omori in a Captain's uniform.

I have explained on page 242 of my book what happened to Maher after he left Omori on the 29th of August. This was based upon what he told me at the 1987 meeting of the ADBC in Phoenix where he was living. I had arranged for him to have lunch with those of us who had been in Omori. I cannot recall if he said anything at that time about his promotion or that he was wearing a Captain's uniform. However, it is very possible true because all of us who were in Japan as POWs did receive an automatic promotion. I became a Captain ( in the Army Air Force ). I am sure that Maher's brother, who was in command of the U.S.S. San Juan, would have seen that he was wearing a new uniform with the correct rank when Maher left the ship to return to Omori.


I was sorry to learn that your essay was not a winner in the contest. Although it had many competitors in the contest, I know that it would have no competition for the importance it will have in aiding future historians and researchers. I hope that Taeko will have success in getting her manuscript published.

The identity of "The Marionette" in the photo of the officers had been made on my copy. I want to rewrite the identification list so that there will be a more complete and better listing. There are five of them on my list who are not identified. I am including a copy of my list so that you can make any necessary corrections or additions.

I would very much like to come to Japan for your October 7th meeting. It would be a great pleasure to see you, Taeko, Nori, Sam and Nakajima again. I have very good memories about my visits with each of you. I would enjoy meeting Tobita, Yoshioka and Fukubayashi and listening to their stories. It would be a great visit. I would like to learn more about the kitchen from Yoshioka. He must have been the cook who shared a bottle of sake with me while I was overseeing the delousing ( boiling )of the clothing of the Special of the Special Prisoners who were brought into camp after the Emperor's speech. ( page 232 )

Unfortunately, I am not able to make any flying travel plans to Japan or anywheres alse for a while because of a reoccurring medical problem. I believe that I must explain it to you now. Last winter I was having some pains in my upper chest. They felt like small electric shocks or stings for a brief moment. The heart doctor put me on a steroids treatment. I felt very good afterwards. This is when I went to S.F. and Oregon and then saw Nori in San Antonio. The "stings" began again while I was at South Padre Island with my son and daughter. I had a "stress-test" and an EKG (heart tests ) last week. They showed that my heart was normal. Yesterday I got a monitor which has two wires that are attached ( glued ) each day to my chest. I have to push a button when a "sting occurs and it records the effects upon my heart ( if any ). This may help the docotor to identify the reasons for the "stings". I may have to keep the monitor as long as a month. The "stings" are infrequent and a day may go by without pushing the button ( like today ). Then there may be a day when I have numerous shocks. This is going to be a nuisance.

I will close with that admission.

My best wishes to you and your family.

Sincerely
Bob
Robert R. Martindale