DISCIPLINE, PUNISHMENT, AND MAINTENANCE OF ORDER

1. By the Nipponese

On arrival in this country Prisoners were required to sign two declarations headed "Written Oath", promising :-
a) Not to attempt to escape, and
b) .."Henceforward the resolute obedience to all orders of DAI NIPPON GUN"
Lt. Col. Erik K.Scott, R.A.O.C. for refusing to order the prisoner personnel to comply with (a) above on the grounds that it constituted a breach of International law and that it was our duty to attempt escape, was threatened with death by Lt. Kaneko, humiliated in front of all ranks assembled on parade by having his cap, boots, and braces removed and all his buttons cut from his uniform, and placed in the camp cells.

As we had already signed a similar declaration in Java on receipt of written advice from Major Gen. K.W.D. Sitwell, (M.C.) R.A., because it was realised that escape from Japan was virtually impossible, and in the interests of Col. Scott's health (at this time he was in no condition to withstand the rigours of confinement in the cells), Lt. Col. L.J. Brigden, R.A.O.C. after consultation with the other British officers, persuaded Col. Scott, much against his wishes, to comply, all ranks following suit. Thus it can be seen that this document was only signed under duress. It must be emphasised that despite the threatening attitude of the Nipponese guards armed with rifles and fixed bayonets, the threat of execution, his personal humiliation and punishment, Lt. Col. Scott maintained his composure in a most courageous manner which won the admiration and respect of all ranks, and earned from Lt. Kaneko the remark – "You are a brave man, Scott".

From 29th July 1943 until repatriation a number of men were at one time or another placed in the cells, but their sentences were not unjust or severe except in the following cases:

a) The punishment of Lt. C.W. West, R.A., because of a minor breach of discipline by one of the men in his platoon (SEE APPENDIX IVA below). This punishment, though not severe, was unjustified, as Lt. West could not fairly be held responsible for a man committing an offence in the small hours of the night, and because this punishment was made at the instigation of Inoue, for whom he had declined to do some carpentry on the previous day.

APPENDIX IVA
EXTRACTS FROM NIPPONESE ORDERS
Certified True Copies
Order No 43
1. Last night, [date not indicated] No 87 Gnr. McCafferty B. disobeyed Order No 41/3 by going outside after 21.00 hours without a good reason. He has been sentenced to three days detention in the cells.
No 16 Lieut. C.W. West, R.A., is sentenced to two days detention in the cells for being negligent in his duties as platoon commander.

11 Sep 43
Order No 62
1. Commencing this month there will only be three rest days, viz:- 1st.,11th, 21st.

6 Oct 44
Order No 73
1. The practice of having one's hands in one's pockets will cease forthwith. This applies to all OUTSIDE work parties, (including miners), Camp workers and men walking for exercise. Offenders will be punished.
2. In future 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes, will be allowed for meal-time in the mine. This will enable miners to return to camp 15 minutes earlier than before.
3. At the conclusion of the 30 minutes allowed for meal-time in the mine, men must be ready to resume work. If necessary, the Nipponese Buntai [Civilian supervisors] Leaders may punish men who do not comply immediately.
4. A task of a stipulated amount of work will be assessed daily for each Buntai by the Nipponese Mine-leaders. Buntais will return to camp on the completion of the task.
5. Nipponese Mine-leaders wearing one, two or three green rings, will be saluted by mine parties.

4 May 45
Order No 77
1. In future British P.O.W. Officers must salute all Nipponese Office personnel.