21 August 1945

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

21 August, 1945

Nancy

My dearest darling Wilma –

And early this morning, too, I love you more than anyone and anything. A good start then for another day, dear. I received two letters from you yesterday, 12 and 13th August – not bad. The big news seemed to be the wedding in Canada. I don’t blame you for sounding keen about it – it sounds like a swell all around trip and I sure hope you make it. From here I can’t see why not.

Glad you found the 7th Corps booklet interesting. Don’t remember why I didn’t mention Gen. Rose. I should have. Did you know he was Jewish – one of the few on an active front and in command of an armored div? His father was a Rabbi in Denver. One of our batteries, by the way, made the sweep with the task force which helped close the Rose Pocket.

All for now, sweetheart, except that I want to tell you again that I love you and only you! Love to the family.

All my sincerest love,

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about the End of Lend-Lease


Roosevelt Signs Lend-Lease Act

The Lend-Lease Act, an act of Congress passed during World War II authorizing the President to “sell, transfer title to, exchange, lease, lend, or otherwise dispose of . . . any defense article” to any country whose defense was deemed vital to the defense of the United States. The act was approved on March 11, 1941, while the United States was still officially neutral. The program ended 21 August 1945, a few days after the surrender of Japan. Lend-lease aid totaled $50,205,230,000, of which $31,392,361,000 went to Great Britain and other members of the British Commonwealth, $11,297,883,000 to the Soviet Union, and $3,233,859,000 to France.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed the program in order to make the United States “the arsenal of democracy” at a time when Great Britain was fighting the Axis Powers alone. Opponents denounced the proposal as “an act of war.” Those supporting the President insisted that the best way to defend America was to give aid to its friends.

Aid was rushed to Great Britain, and was soon granted to China, which had been at war with Japan for several years. After Germany attacked the Soviet Union in June, 1941, the USSR began receiving vast quantities of aid, especially in the form of badly needed transportation equipment. Altogether 44 countries were made eligible for lend-lease aid, but only 38 nations requested it. An amendment to the original act permitted aid to be granted in the form of services as well as supplies.

Agreements regulating the program were signed with the various countries. Many of the countries in return provided supplies and services to the United States. This “reverse lend-lease” amounted to $7,345,747,000, mostly from the British Commonwealth countries.

President Roosevelt created the Office of Lend-Lease Administration in 1941. Edward R. Stettinius, Jr., was the administrator. In 1943, the office was consolidated into the Foreign Economic Administration headed by Leo T. Crowley.

After the war most countries agreed to make repayments, amounting usually to a few cents on the dollar. After years of negotiations, the Soviet Union agreed in 1972 to repay $722,000,000, but only if granted most-favored-nation trade status by the United States. Congress refused, finding this demand unacceptable, and the Soviet Union canceled the agreement.In 1948 Great Britain agreed to repay $615,000,000 in 50 annual installments. The British Treasury at the time Lend Lease was terminated was virtually empty. The British economy was in shambles. Large areas of London and other cities were in ruin. Britain wanted an American recovery grant. Eventually a long-term loan was negotiated – the Anglo-American Loan. America provided very generous terms – 2 percent interest with repayment over a 60-year period.

Here is the White House Release dated 21 August 1945:

The President has directed the Foreign Economic Administrator to take steps immediately to discontinue all lend-lease operations and to notify foreign governments receiving lend-lease of this action.

The President also directs that all outstanding contracts for lend-lease be canceled, except where Allied governments are willing to agree to take them over, or where it is in the interest of the United States to complete them.

The Foreign Economic Administrator furthermore is instructed to negotiate with Allied governments for possible procurement by them of lend-lease inventories now in stockpile and in process of delivery.

If the military needs lend-lease supplies for the movement of troops or for occupation purposes, the military will be responsible for procurement.

It is estimated that uncompleted contracts for non-munitions and finished goods in this country not yet transferred to lend-lease countries amount to about $2 billion and that lend lease supplies in stockpile abroad amount to between $1 and $1-1/2 billion.

20 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

20 August, 1945      0930

Nancy

My dearest sweetheart –

Well we all read the Stars and Stripes closely, listen to AFN news on the hour, every hour, listen to the story of ‘this’ officer here or ‘that’ officer there – and what does it all add up to ? A few high point officers and enlisted men are going home. We lose yet another officer this morning – 111 points and we’re starting to feel the pinch. Including the Colonel, that makes 4 officers. Personally, I’m sure of one thing only and that is that I won’t have to go to the Pacific. Of course – a few weeks ago that positiveness would have been quite comforting – and it only goes to show that all things are relative. Anyway, darling, we can certainly feel with more reason that I’ll be home in some months and even if I’m not discharged immediately, I’ll at least stay in the U.S. If you want my honest-to-goodness guess – I’d say sometime in the middle of the winter. I have nothing at all with which to base my guess except that winter is midway between now and next summer – when all troops will have been returned, and somehow I feel I ought to be in that middle group.

Yesterday it rained most of the afternoon and evening. We played Bridge in the p.m. finally ending at 6400 to 6000 – roughly and since we play 5 francs per 100 fr, you can see, dear – that I won 20 francs. Our matches of late have always been that close. It makes for keener competition and rather careful bidding. The evening went quietly and I had a good night’s rest. There’s a new movie in town tonight and we’ll probably go – something with G. Rogers, L. Turner – and the “Waldorf”.

I reacted the same way you did in reference to Nat Stone and his “success”. It just gripes me, that’s all. And when we get back – people will make no consideration whatsoever as to who gave service and who didn’t. And the fellow who sat back and cleaned up – is just that much ahead. We have a few such birds in Salem and they’ve become tremendously rich in the past 3 years. But what the hell, I certainly wouldn’t have been completely happy had I stayed out of things. I’ll make up for the lost time, darling. I’ve got lots of energy, I’ll have you to help me – and I still have friends in Salem. Frankly I’ve about given up the idea of surgery. I’ll always be able to do minor surgery and simple practice work – and I’ll have to be content with that. I’ve talked with a few fellows in hospitals and also with Frank Morse when I saw him last. It would take me between two and three years of interning and residency to qualify as a Class A surgeon and I just don’t feel I want you or myself to give up that much time. Furthermore it would be impractical from an economic standpoint. It isn’t that I’ve lost any of my original drive and zeal by being in the Army, sweetheart; it‘s just that I’ve already lost 3 yrs and with some more months to go. That time is irretrievable. But so long as you have confidence in me – I’m satisfied. I feel pretty certain I’ll do all right. After all – I did have two years of it and that background is worth something.

Pretty serious this morning, aren’t I, dear? Well, I can be that way, too, and practical. But most of all right now – I’m interested in getting home to you and marrying you. The rest, I think, will follow along nicely – and I know we can be happy and successful in life, together. That, after all, is what we want, sweetheart.

I’ll say ‘so long’ for now, dear. My love to the folks, say ‘hello’ to Gr. B. and Mary.

All my love is yours for always –

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about War Production and Reconversion
Facts and Figures


Cover of TIME magazine - 20 August 1945

WAR PRODUCTION
In the 20 August 1945 publication of TIME, (Volume XLVI, Number 8), the following article, "PRODUCTION - The Winner" was written:

Marshal Stalin's famed Teheran toast to U.S. industry — "Without American production the United Nations could never have won the war" — was never more appropriate. The war was ending, and the record was in.

In the five years since the fall of France, U.S. industry and labor had turned out:

• 299,000 combat planes (96,000 last year);
• 3,600,000 trucks;
• 100,000 tanks;
• 87,620 warships (including landing craft), 5,200 merchant vessels;
• 44 billion rounds of ammunition;
• 434 million tons of steel;
• 36 billion yards of cotton textiles for war.

Despite this, U.S. home-fronters had remained the best housed, best clothed and best fed people in the world. But U.S. basic resources had suffered what might be an irreparable drain. Said an anxious Mead Committee report fortnight ago: war has left the U.S. with only enough oil for twelve years (at present production rates), enough iron ore for eight years, a seriously depleted timber supply.

RECONVERSION: Facts & Figures
Reconversion from military to civilian production had been an issue as early as 1944. However, the actual process of reconversion only began in earnest in early 1945, accelerating through V-E Day and V-J Day.

After World War II, the government released 12 million Americans into the job market while simultaneously slashing government spending. Yet in a dramatic refutation of Keynesian economic theory, the market absorbed the workers and unemployment never rose over four percent. This was in part due to industry's ability to reconvert its military production into domestic production.

In the 20 August 1945 publication of TIME, (Volume XLVI, Number 8), the following article, "RECONVERSION - Facts & Figures" was written:

This week 30,000 telegrams tersely canceling the bulk of Army war contracts were ready to be sent to U.S. industry.

With one swoop the Army would wipe out:

• More than 95% of its orders for carbon and alloy steels, copper, aluminum, artillery, tanks, guns, railroad rolling stock, telephone, radio and telegraph equipment.
• More than 75% of its orders for cotton and wool textiles, leather, lumber, shoes.
• More than two-thirds of its orders for tires.

That would make reconversion a fact, not just an overworked word. Total industrial production, now humming along at the rate of over $130 billion a year, could be pushed down almost one-third.

Industry was ready for the cancellations. It had discarded the notion that a tapering-off in war orders would cushion the reconversion shock.

How quickly industry could regain its equilibrium depended upon how quickly it could:

1. clear its plants and set up peacetime assembly lines;
2. obtain a steady supply of raw materials;
3. get a firm pricing policy from OPA.

The reconversion outlook for some representative U.S. companies:

GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. Output of tires and plastics for civilians can begin immediately. Estimated postwar employment: 30% greater than the prewar peak of 28,561, but only 30% of their 1942 wartime employment peak.

BENDIX AVIATION CORP.Sales-smart Bendix was busy during the war lining up a nationwide distribution organization while its factories were spouting $2.8 billion of war goods. Soon these distributors will have something to sell. Bendix plants making auto parts will be in mass production by late fall. New type AM and FM radio sets can roll off the assembly lines immediately.

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. G.M.'s problem is typical of all auto manufacturers. It needs new machine tools, must rid its plants of heavy war machinery. G.M. must also accumulate a huge supply of raw materials (steel, textiles, etc.) in a fiercely competitive market. Once these problems are licked, G.M. has high hopes for the future. Its ultimate employment goal: 400K factory workers (1939 high: 201,000); 200K distributors (1939 total: 150K).

WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP. Cancellation of its $400 million backlog of war orders will free Westinghouse for a quick changeover to refrigerators, electric irons, and other appliances for civilians. Two new postwar products: a deep-freeze unit for home use, a dishwashing machine to sell for less than $100.

E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS & Co. Nylon and Nylon yarn for stockings, Neoprene synthetic rubber, most chemical products and plastic materials can be switched to civilian use as soon as the cancellation telegrams reach Wilmington.

ALUMINUM COMPANY OF AMERICA. War orders will be sorely missed. Alcoa has delivered $2.2 billion of aluminum and magnesium since war began, still has a backlog of war orders totaling $200 million. But orders on hand from civilian industries amount to a mere $26 million—equal to two weeks' present aluminum production.

OWENS-ILLINOIS GLASS Co. Anticipating a boom in the marketing of glass-packaged foods, medicines and beverages, Owens-Illinois will keep all of its workers, rehire its 5,325 employes now in uniform. Two new plants to produce glass containers will be built after the war.

PULLMAN-STANDARD CAR MANUFACTURING Co. From the car-hungry railroads Pullman-Standard has orders for $78 million worth of rolling stock. But full production of superdeluxe streamlined coaches and sleepers cannot get under way until Pullman-Standard finds several thousand more workers for its shops.

19 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

19 August, 1945

Nancy

Dearest darling Wilma –

I was pretty lonesome last night, dear, and I just couldn’t shake the feeling. We had somewhat of a party but somehow I couldn’t quite enter into the spirit of the thing. I know why, too. Another one of our officers is leaving for home, today, on the point basis. He has 116. I just felt kind of envious although by no means do I begrudge him his good fortune. He’s a pretty nice guy – Fred Ellis – and he lives in South Portland, Maine. We’ll be able to visit him; he has a cute wife and a little girl 3 or 4.

This is a drab Sunday morning, typically Fall-ish. I remember your once telling me you don’t like the Fall. I do – when it’s bright and cool and crisp outside. It’s anything but that here. There won’t be much doing today but I guess I’ll just sit around and relax. This morning the French are having a rather elaborate parade in Stanislaus Place. A famous French Esquadrille that fought in Africa, Germany, and with the Russians for a time – is being decorated by a French General and the Place is really be-decked with flags. The French really love this stuff and there’ll probably be a big mob downtown this morning. I may take a picture or two if I’m through here in time. [See pictures posted on 01 August 1945.] It’s now 0920 and the boys are still drifting in; it makes me mad. Most of the complaints are insignificant but they just love to come in on Sunday morning, because they have little else to do.

Say I forgot to mention your reaction to Austen Lake’s article about MC’s, rotation – etc. No doubt a good deal that he had to say was true – but the mere fact that he said it – detracts from the whole story. I used to think he was pretty good – but he’s bungled a good many stories and the most recent one concerning that “poor, mistreated” G.I. from Worcester was a lulu. Lake pops off too soon without knowing the facts and he went to bat for the soldier. But the G.I. went on and made a sucker of everyone who helped – showing that the Army, in fact, did know what it was doing. What he wrote about doctors is true enough – but writing about it in a newspaper column isn’t going to help one bit; it only serves to aggravate those at home. The damage has been done, darling, and there’s not a thing to do about it. Excuse me for popping off on Lake – but I felt like popping off on someone and I just happened to think of him – poor guy. And that reminds me – what in hell happened to our Braves and Red Sox? The latter were right up there for awhile and then they collapsed. It’s most discouraging – particularly when my MAC officer happens to come from Detroit! You see, dear, how difficult life can be?

But you could really make my life a lot easier, sweetheart, by being with me – or should I be with you? Yup – I guess that will be more practical at that. Gosh dear – you’ll have to listen to all the gripes I’ve built up in 3 years. I hope you can take it; but once they’re out of my system – I’ll be completely normal – I promise – and I’ll be able to devote myself entirely to loving you and being the husband you want me to be. Because I do love you more than anything else in the world, darling, and promising that to you is going to be very very easy for me.

All for now, dear – be well, love to the folks – and

All my sincerest love

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about the August Revolution


Ho Chi Minh in 1946

The aspiration for national independence had long burned deep in the heart of every Vietnamese through many generations. They had experienced their share of ups and downs under the millennium-long rule of northern feudalism and the century-long rule of western colonialism. On the web site called "BookRags", the following research article about the August Revolution by Richard B. Verrone was once available:

In Vietnamese history, the August Revolution was the proclamation of a sovereign Vietnamese government in August 1945. The Japanese occupied Vietnam during World War II and allowed the French, who were the colonial power in Indochina (present-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), to continue to administer the region. In May 1941, at Pac Bo in northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese Communists, led by Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969), formed a national front organization, the League for Independence of Vietnam, to fight against both the French and the Japanese. The League, better known by its Vietnamese abbreviated name, the Viet Minh, sought to enlist any Vietnamese citizen who would fight for national liberation from the French and Japanese.

When Japan surrendered at the end of World War II in the wake of Allied victory, Ho stepped in on 16 August 1945 and proclaimed himself president of the provisional government of a "free Vietnam." The Allies had other plans: they had agreed that Britain would occupy the southern part of Vietnam and the Nationalist Chinese would occupy the northern portion of the country. Before the Chinese troops arrived, the Viet Minh marched in and seized power in Hanoi on 19 August 1945. The emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai (1913–1997), complied with Ho's demands and abdicated and left for exile in France. On 24 August in Saigon (present-day Ho Chi Minh City), Tran Van Giau declared insurrection underway in the south. On 27 August Ho convened his first cabinet meeting in Hanoi, at which it was agreed that 2 September would be set as National Independence Day. On that day Ho publicly announced the formation of the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) with its capitol at Hanoi.

In subsequent negotiations with the French, who were allowed to reoccupy Vietnam, Ho agreed to the return of 25,000 French colonial troops in the north for a five-year period rather than face occupation by the Nationalist Chinese. Ho placated his disgruntled comrades with reassurances that colonialism was dying and that the French would have a difficult time reestablishing permanent rule, and reminded them that the Chinese had occupied Vietnam in the past for over a thousand years and were the greater threat. The DRV and the French soon clashed over administrative and military issues after the French returned to Vietnam, resulting in the eruption of the First Indochinese War.

18 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

18 August, 1945      0915

Nancy

Dearest darling Wilma –

Boy – this month’s tearing right along but it’s probably because so many fateful events have occurred this month. To all intents and purposes the summer has been over here since last week. The mornings and evenings are very chilly and when the sun does come out, it’s not very strong. They have a really cold winter here and I just hope I’m not around for all of it.

Yesterday p.m. – I was busy moving again, dear, – but this time only from one room to another. With the Colonel gone, the Major took over his apartment and George Thiessen, now executive officer, moved in with him. That left a nice room vacant and since I’m next in line in seniority, I took it. It’s a nice room with adjoining wash-room etc. Just think, though, darling – I’m actually 3rd ranking officer in a whole battalion – and still a captain. Well – it doesn’t make much difference now. Anyway – I’ve got the room all fixed up and it’s quite comfortable. In the evening we were going to go to the movies but ended up at the Red Cross having coffee – instead. Today, Saturday, is another half-day and I guess I’ll just rest and take it easy. We never did celebrate the end of the war and there doesn’t seem to be much point to it; but you never can tell what will develop on a Saturday night in this outfit.

By the way – today is 21 months and two days since we left New York Harbor. What a long grind it has been, but how nice to have behind you! Looks like we’ll certainly have at least 4 overseas bars on our left sleeve before we make it back, and yet we still see – in this town – outfits with six bars. One such outfit is the General Hospital here – the Second General. I don’t know why they haven’t gone home yet.

I didn’t receive any mail yesterday so I’d better catch up on some of the items you’ve mentioned in some of your previous letters, dear. About those pictures being brown – we never have the same place develop pictures, darling, and sometimes they just foul them up, that’s all. So far – I’ve been pretty lucky; that “car” in Leipzig – I didn’t know what it was either – but that was typical of the variety of vehicles to be seen in Germany today.

I was interested in your comments about work, the summer vacation, your plans for the Fall, etc. I honestly don’t know what to advise you, sweetheart. A course in nurses’ aide is difficult and particularly so at the B.C.H. [Boston City Hospital]. A good many women I know took it at Salem, including several doctors’ wives. As for your phobia about things medical, dear, particularly blood, I wouldn’t worry one bit about that. I see no reason why you’ll ever have to have much contact with it – although if I should have an office in conjunction with our home – as is the custom in Salem – I don’t know. It’s hard to advise you what to do from this vantage point. I know what I’ll do with you when I get home. I’m going to marry you, sweetheart, and I’m going to keep you busy loving you day and night. You won’t have much time for anything else – I promise you, dear. So you can think about that angle. I’ve been telling you on paper for a long time, now, darling, how much I love you. What a thrill to be able to show you. And the day draws nearer.

All for now, dear. Love to the folks and regards from Pete.

All my everlasting love and devotion –

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about Another "My Day" by Eleanor Roosevelt



18 August 1945

NEW YORK, Friday — The last two days of holiday I have been privileged to spend in New York City. I use the word privileged advisedly, for it has been a privilege to see joy on so many faces.

I don't think I have ever seen so many young people walking hand in hand up and down our city streets. Many of the men are still in uniform, but as I sat in a bus the other afternoon a young couple got in, both looking radiant. The man was in a new civilian suit, wearing his honorable discharge button, and they were laughing and chatting together in the way that indicates, not the forced gaiety that accompanies a man on leave when war is on, but the complete, natural abandon of happy children. It was good to see. And on the same day I saw a mother greet her son who, for the first time in nearly five years, was dressed in civilian clothes. I knew she felt a great thankfulness, since during that time he had flown almost continuously on dangerous missions.

* * *

During a taxi ride, however, my driver seemed to be rather short of temper for such happy days. When a chance came I said: "This is a wonderful day; all of us must be happy!" He turned around and said: "It sure is. But I've still got a boy, a lieutenant in the air force, and I don't know yet if he is safe. I've got a son-in-law in the army and many nephews, so that there have been plenty of worries with us." The worries were evidently still uppermost, as they must remain for many, many people until we hear from the far ends of the world that V-J Day has really come on the islands in the Pacific and in the jungles of Burma.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere of our city has changed, and I am sure that is so of cities and villages all over the United States. The old troubles that accompany the daily round of living will be back with us all too soon. We will have to be reminding ourselves that the big trouble, the weight that has clamped on our hearts and kept our spirits down, has really been removed. We are not free from the accidents of death and disease and misfortune, and sorrow will be with us often, since that is the lot of man. But the war is over. We will not be engaged in the business of killing each other. Mass murder is ended, and we can rejoice.

* * *

On Sunday we will go to our respective churches, or sit at home and listen to our radio services, or perhaps just read our prayer books and speak with our hearts our thanksgiving to God that this terrible period in the history of mankind is past.

Now, we turn to the ways of peace, and coupled with our prayer of thanksgiving I hope there will be a prayer that each one of us may do his full share to bring about the change in mankind and the world that must come in this new atomic era if we are not to destroy humanity. We cannot say any more, "if" we have peace, or "will it be possible to keep peace," since we know that unless we have peace there is no future possible for mankind.

E. R.
(COPYRIGHT 1945 BY UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC.)

17 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

17 August, 1945      0930

Nancy

My dearest sweetheart –

Today is an official E.T.O. holiday for VJ day, but sick-call goes on just the same. I have a few details to look after this morning and then I ought to be able to take it easy for the rest of the day. As yet – our group of officers haven’t celebrated the end of the war, but truth to tell, darling, there isn’t much heart in it over here. Our first reaction was that of exhilaration, but then the last two days – the broadcasts from London, Scotland, New York, San Francisco – etc. dampened us a bit because it made us realize that after all – a celebration like this one needs those you love to make it real. Well, damn it, we’ll celebrate when I get back – oh! we have so much to celebrate, dear! If I have one drink only for each reason, I’ll be loopy in no time. Say, have you ever seen me really high? I can’t remember.

Well I got a letter from Dad A in Ohio and one from you too, darling – both written 8 August and both mentioning the Russian Entry. I’m just waiting for your letters of the end of the war – I bet they’ll be good. It all ended so suddenly – it still doesn’t seem possible that it’s truly over.

You mention the coming of Billy’s Bar Mitzvah in October; wish I were back to be included in that list of a hundred people. I kind of doubt that the Army is able to work that swiftly, though. Gee – I can still remember mine. I was scared of the synagogue services; I guess every kid was and still is.

By the way – that clipping you sent me of Rodman winning the tennis matches in Paris – refers to Sonny Rodman all right. I see he got his captaincy since I saw him last. And yes – Pete got his Captaincy some time ago. I thought I had mentioned it to you, dear. Oh – and in answer to your question about all the Madames and their husbands – most of the husbands are here with them. You don’t think I’d be going around visiting lonely French madames, do you? Don’t answer! The only French woman sans husband is a Mme Pellet, a woman whom our colonel was seeing a lot of. She’s about 40 and the wife of a French two star General. The latter is sick and has just been operated upon. She’s having a little fun, I guess. But on the whole – French people who are respectable – are tremendously so – more than we are at home. A girl from such a family never goes out with a strange or new acquaintance (male) without her mother – not until she knows the fellow for a long time – and I’m referring to a French man. The kind we hear about – are not from the best class.

But why bother about the French, darling? It’s you I’m interested in and no one else. It’s you I love and no one else and it’s you I’m coming home to, soon, I hope. Until then – sit tight, sweetheart, and I’ll make up for all this waiting. I know I can do it.

And for a while longer – so long, dear, love to the folks – and

All my deepest love and affection –

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Indonesia's Independence Day


Map of Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago
with approximately 17,508 islands.
Today it has 33 provinces with over 238 million people,
and is the world's fourth most populous country.
Islam is the religion of about 86% of its people.

Friday, 17 August 1945, is the greatest day in history for all Indonesian people because Sukarno proclaimed the Independence of Indonesia on that day. After being under Dutch colonialism for more than three and half century and Japanese colonialism for three and half years, the people of Indonesia finally achieved their aspiration to become an independent nation.

In their search for spices, the Portuguese arrived in Indonesia in 1511, followed by the Spaniards. Later, the Dutch also started their search for spices in Indonesia, which they sold in European markets with big profits, and established the Dutch East India Company in 1602. In 1605, Dutch colonialism began to have a foothold over Indonesian territories. The capital of Sunda Kelapa was named "Batavia" by the Dutch.

Sultan Hasanuddin of Goa fought a war against the Dutch in 1666, but he was defeated. Prince Trunojoyo of Madura also fought the Dutch. He was defeated and killed in 1680. In 1740, the Dutch suppressed a rebellion in Jakarta that was sparked by dissatisfied Chinese, who were later joined by Indonesians. Ten thousand Chinese were killed.

In 1714, the British came to Indonesia and built Fort York in Bengkulu on the west coast of Sumatera which was later renamed Fort Marlborough. The British stayed in Bengkulu until 1825. During the Napoleonic wars in Europe when Holland was occupied by France, Indonesia fell under the rule of the British East India Company (1811-1816). After the fall of Napoleon, and the end of the French occupation of Holland, the British and Dutch signed a convention in London on 13 August 1814, in which it was agreed that Dutch colonial possessions dating from 1803 onwards should be returned to the Dutch Administration in Batavia. Thus, the Batavian Republic reclaimed the Indonesian archipelago from the British in 1815.

Soon the Dutch strengthened their colonial rule. But this only sparked rebellions to seize freedom. Thomas Matulessy (Pattimura) staged a revolt against the Dutch in the Moluccas (1816-1818). Prince Diponegoro of Mataram led a fierce struggle for freedom which was known as the Java War from 1825-1830. Tuanku Imam Bonjol led the Padri War in West Sumatera, while Teuku Umar headed the Aceh War in North Sumatera (1873-1903). King Sisingamangaraja of the Bataks revolted against the Dutch in 1907. An attempt by the Dutch troops to occupy Bali in 1908 was repelled by King Udayana. Revolts were also erupting in Goa, South Sulawesi, and in South Kalimantan.

When all those regional wars of independence failed, Indonesian nationalists began thinking of a more organized struggle against Dutch colonialism. The move began with the founding of Boedi Oetomo by Dr. Soetomo on 20 May 1908. This organization of Indonesian intellectuals was initially set up for educational purposes but later turned into politics. In 1911, Sarekat Dagang Islam (the Society of Moslem Entrepreneurs) was formed by Haji Samanhudi and others. Its objective was at first to motivate and to promote Indonesian business in the Dutch East Indies. However, in 1912, this organization turned into a political party and was renamed Sarekat Islam.

In December 1912, Partai Indonesia was founded by Douwes Dekker with Dr. Tjipto Mangunkusumo and Ki Hajar Dewantoro (Suwardi Suryaningrat). The aim of the party was to strive for complete independence of Indonesia. All three leaders of the party were exiled by the colonial government in 1913. In 1924, Perhimpunan Mahasiswa Indonesia (the Indonesian Students Association) was formed by Drs. Mohammad Hatta, Dr. Sukiman and others. This organization became a driving force of the nationalist movement to gain independence. On 28 October 1928, delegates to Indonesian Youth Congress in Jakarta pledged commitment to One Nation, One Motherland and One Language. The "Indonesia Raya" song was introduced for the first time at the 2nd Indonesian Youth Congress by its composer, Wage Rudolf Supratman.

                

Sukarno                                        Hatta

 

In December 1929, the Dutch colonial authorities arrested Sukarno which touched off widespread protests by Indonesians. In 1934, Drs. Mohammad Hatta, Sutan Syahrir and other nationalist leaders were arrested by the Dutch and sent into exile.

After the Japanese attacks of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Japanese Armed Forces occupied several Southeast Asian countries. After the fall of Singapore, Japanese invaded the Dutch East Indies and the Dutch colonial army surrendered in March 1942. Sukarno and Hatta were released from their detention.

Due to the hardships suffered by the Japanese caused by Indonesian rebellions, the Japanese occupation forces in Indonesia finally gave in to recognize the Indonesian Red and White colored flag as the Indonesian national flag, which was followed by the recognition of "Indonesia Raya" as the national anthem and Bahasa Indonesia as the national language.

 

 Flag of Indonesia

The final defeat of Japan after the dropping of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the 6th and 9th of August 1945 prompted the Japanese to surrender unconditionally to the Allies. This constituted an ample opportunity for Sukarno and Drs. Mohammad Hatta to proclaim Indonesia's independence on 17 August 1945. The draft was prepared on the night of August 16, by Sukarno, Hatta, and a student named Subarjo. The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, 17 August 1945. The document was signed by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, who were appointed President and Vice-president respectively the following day. Here is what the Proclamation said:

WE THE PEOPLE OF INDONESIA
HEREBY DECLARE THE INDEPENDENCE OF INDONESIA.
MATTERS WHICH CONCERN THE TRANSFER OF POWER AND
OTHER THINGS WILL BE EXECUTED BY CAREFUL MEANS
AND IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME.

DJAKARTA, 17 AUGUST 1945

IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF INDONESIA

SOEKARNO—HATTA

Sukarno ("Soekarno" was the Dutch spelling until 1947) and Mohammad Hatta were appointed President and Vice-president respectively the following day.

The declaration marked the start of the diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against first the British and then the forces of the Netherlands. On November 29, 1946, the last of Britain's troops left Indonesia. The Dutch were increasing their strength there, reaching 110,000 troops by May 1947. The Dutch considered themselves the legitimate power in a new state they had created, consisting of the eastern half of Indonesia.

On July 20, the Dutch launched an effort to overpower the Republic of Indonesia's armed forces. The U.S. expressed its disapproval. India's leader, Nehru, was outraged. People in the Netherlands began demonstrating against the war. The Russians sided with the Indonesians, and Australian labor began boycotting shipments of supplies to the Dutch war effort. A war was taking place, a guerrilla war by Indonesians and a police action described by the Dutch. On August 1, the U.N. Security Council called for a cease fire, but the fighting continued in 1949. On March 31, the U.S. told the Dutch that their Marshall Plan aid was in jeopardy. The Dutch finally agreed to a cease fire in August 1949, and on November 2 they signed what amounted to cessation of their hold on Indonesian territory. The Netherlands "unconditionally and irrevocably" recognized Indonesia as a federation of autonomous states. The conflicts between the Dutch and Indonesians brought about the deaths of over 150,000 Indonesians and 6,000 Dutch nationals. In 2005, the Netherlands declared that they had decided to accept 17 August 1945 as Indonesia's independence date.

16 August 1945

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

16 August, 1945

Nancy

My dearest sweetheart –

I just read your letter of 7 August in which you told me, dear, that you love me – and darned if I don’t love you just as much. It’s a wonderful feeling, too – darling – and I’m sure you know what I mean.

Well – our big VJ celebration fizzed out entirely. At the last minute it was decided that the town would be wild last nite and every officer except the medics went on patrol duty to keep the mischief down. And the same schedule applies for tonight. It makes little difference, really, sweetheart, because I’m fundamentally happy and relaxed over thoughts of our future which now seems closer and closer. Oh boy!! Nothing else for now, darling. Love to the family. I love you!

All my love for now –

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms


Churchill in his War Cabinet bunker beneath the London streets

The Cabinet War Rooms are located across from the Houses of Parliament. This sprawling complex, (which today is called "Churchill's War Rooms" and include the Churchill Museum), covers three acres. Winston Churchill and his War Cabinet would convene here when there was a German air raid. From here they guided the course of the war to its ultimate victory. Today, a visitor can visit by entering through a small entrance next to a set of stairs on King Charles Street. This entrance did not exist during World War II; instead, people entered the underground bunker through a stairway located within a building above the bunker.

During the Second World War, from 1 September 1939 until May 1945, London was under threat of air raid. Therefore, underground rooms with reinforced ceilings and walls were used from 1940 to mid-1945. In 1940, shortly after becoming Prime Minister, Churchill stood in the Cabinet War Room and declared, "This is the room from which I will direct the war."

The size of the underground bunker expanded as the war progressed, starting relatively small and growing to approximately 30,000 feet. Many rooms for different functions are housed here. These included communications rooms, a hospital, canteen, firing range and dormitories for several hundred staff.

Churchill War Rooms sleeping quarters were down this hall

When the bunker was closed down on 16 August 1945, many of the men and women working in the shelter cleaned off their desks, shut off the lights, and went home, never to return to the bunker. This meant that in a number of rooms, the furnishings and all the small details of life in the bunker during the war were kept intact. After the war the historic value of the Cabinet War Rooms was recognized. Their preservation became the responsibility of the Ministry of Works and later the Department for the Environment, during which time very limited numbers of the public were able to visit by appointment. In the early 1980s the Imperial War Museum was asked to take over the administration of the site. When reopened, everything was still in its original state, right down to the cigar butts in the ashtray. It's as if the war was over so everyone went down to the pub and forgot the place existed.

The Rooms were opened to the public by Margaret Thatcher on 4 April 1984, in a ceremony attended by Churchill family members and former Cabinet War Rooms staff. Following a major expansion in 2003, a suite of rooms used as accommodation by Churchill, his wife and close associates, was added to the museum. The restoration of these rooms, which since the war had been stripped out and used for storage, cost £7.5 million. In 2005 the War Rooms were re-branded as the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, with 850 square meters of the site redeveloped as a biographical museum exploring Churchill's life. In May 2010 the name of the museum was shortened to Churchill War Rooms. During 2009-2011 the museum received over 300,000 visitors a year.

During its operational life two of the Cabinet War Rooms were of particular importance. (These are shown in the video below.) Once operational, the facility's Map Room was in constant use and manned around the clock by officers of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. These officers were responsible for producing a daily intelligence summary for the King, Prime Minister and the military Chiefs of Staff.

Map still on the wall (above) and its keys (below)

The other major room was the Cabinet Room. Until the opening of the Battle of France, which began on 10 May 1940, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's war cabinet met at the War Rooms only once, in October 1939. Following Winston Churchill's appointment as Prime Minister, 115 Cabinet meetings were held at the Cabinet War Rooms, the last on 28 March 1945, when the German V-weapon bombing campaign came to an end.

Here is a video tour of the Churchill War Rooms today:

15 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

15 August, 1945      0900

Nancy

My dearest sweetheart –

On this – VJ day – I love you more than ever before and I want you something fiercely. I must admit it finally, darling, I’m terribly impatient – more than I’ve ever let you know. With this happy day – there’s no more fighting to be done and I can actually look forward to a day of discharge, with no uniform, white shirt, colored tie and you! What a combination of words, sweetheart – but you know what I mean. Everything that return home and discharge mean, add up to you, and it’s just impossible for me, dear, to tell you how I feel when I know now that I can come home to you and stay – and furthermore – realize that I can get started again in practice. Suffice it to say that I’m tremendously happy that we’ve come this far together. The rest of the way is going to be easy.

We waited up until midnight last night – and still the news didn’t break. But at 0700 today I got BBC and there it was. Some of the boys wanted to celebrate last night but we held off. But today we’ll make up for it. VJ Day comes once in a lifetime and I want to remember it. Now no one knows how the deployment back home will work – but once they get rid of those outfits who are already in the staging areas – they’ll probably go by units and by priority – and this outfit is certainly up in the first third, I should say. So keep waiting, sweetheart!

I got a letter from you yesterday – 3 August – and a card from Dad A. The letter mentioned he had heard from Lawrence in Manila and I’m glad he arrived safely. He’ll probably have to sweat out the occupation of Japan – but at least it will be safe.

Your letter was sweet, darling, as are all of them. You mentioned the fellow from Portland calling you and your refusing to go out with him. What interested me mostly was your reasons for refusing, sweetheart – and I love your sincerity, faithfulness and patience.

Say, I had no idea you knew so much about the horses. I’m afraid, dear, you’ll find me very ignorant about that particular sport. I’ve just never cared for it – and I guess you’ll just have to classify me as a non-gambling man. However, if you want to go from time to time – we’ll go – if I can get away.

And now, darling, I’ll have to quit. There are still some patients to see. I wrote in between sick-call – because I couldn’t wait to tell you how much I love you and want you – and how happy I am that the day of our being together again comes closer now – by leaps and bounds. Sit tight, sweetheart – and I’ll be getting back to you.

Love to the folks – and

All my sincerest and deepest love –

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about The War is Over!!!

In the following video, Truman announces the surrender of Japan to the press in Washington, D.C. on 14 August 1945. The picture below the video shows the press listening intently...

In the following picture, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee (right) and Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin are photographed at 10 Downing Street, London, UK at midnight on 14 August 1945. They had just announced, in a speech broadcast to Britain and the Empire, the news of the Japanese surrender.

Also on 14 August 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito recorded the news of Japan's surrender to his nation.

So it was that at noon on 15 August 1945, for the first time in history, the voice of the Japanese emperor was heard on the radio. His Imperial Majesty Hirohito had recorded the message the previous day, and he spoke to his people in the very formal language of the Imperial Court, which many of his subjects could not understand. Here is the beginning of his speech:

To Our good and loyal subjects: After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining to Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration.

To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our Subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors, and which we lay close to heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandisement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone -- the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people, the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to damage is indeed incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should We continue to fight, it would not only result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects; or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the Acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers...

The following video is typical of most showing the celebrations across the United States upon the surrender of Japan...

The following video has rare color images of the celebration in New York on 15 August 1945. It also has some sobering thoughts beyond that exultant day.