Japanese Blood Debt Issue During the Era of Tunku Abdul Rahman E-Book

Uqbah Iqbal

• Herausgeber: GRIN Verlag
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2015 in the subject History - Asia, National University of Malaysia, course: History, language: English, abstract: Behind the country’s Pro-Western policy due to the Cold War era, diplomatic relations was established between the Federation of Malaya with Japan that has economic motives in order to reduce dependence on British. It became clear to the country's leadership that the war compensation issues will affect the common economic interests of both parties. British also saw Japan approach to the region is inevitable and decided not to stop it by the year 1954. American capital, Japan technical skills and Southeast Asia resources must be connected to fight Communism. The methodology used is based on the research methods of the resources available in libraries and the National Archives of Malaysia.

Leseprobe

Impressum:

Copyright (c) 2015 GRIN Verlag / Open Publishing GmbH, alle Inhalte urheberrechtlich geschützt. Kopieren und verbreiten nur mit Genehmigung des Verlags.

Bei GRIN macht sich Ihr Wissen bezahlt! Wir veröffentlichen kostenlos Ihre Haus-, Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten.

Jetzt beiwww.grin.com

Inhaltsverzeichnis

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

JAPANESE BLOOD DEBT ISSUE

CONCLUSION

REFERENCE

JAPANESE BLOOD DEBT ISSUE DURING TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN ERA

ABSTRACT

Behindthe country’s Pro-Western policy due tothe Cold Warera, diplomatic relations wasestablished between theFederation of MalayawithJapan that haseconomic motivesin order to reducedependenceonBritish. Itbecame cleartothecountry's leadershipthatthewarcompensation issueswillaffect thecommon economic interestsof both parties. Britishalsosaw Japanapproachto theregionis inevitableanddecided not tostop it by the year1954.Americancapital, Japan technicalskillsandSoutheastAsia resources mustbe connectedto fight Communism. The methodologyused isbased onthe researchmethodsofthe resourcesavailablein librariesandthe National Archives of Malaysia.

Keywords: Blood debt, Japan, Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, War Reparation

INTRODUCTION

In terms of Tunku Abdul Rahmanpd background, he was a member of the aristocratic elite who is accustomed to a luxury life from his youth (Faridah, 2007). His English background, personal principle that anti-Communist, and his commitment to reconciliation, Tunku Abdul Rahman has made a Westernized foreign policy, not to mention he had to operate in an environment of the Cold War years in five and six decades (TR 2: 3: 62 , 1978). When the Federation of Malaya was still in the process of achieving independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman express his sincere appreciation to the British who always cooperated (TAR 1: 2: 57, 1981), especially in terms of finance and expertise to develop the armed forces, to stem the communist influence and build basic infrastructures (TAR 2: 3: 57, 1981) and the establishment of the Reid Commission in helping develop the country's constitution (TAR 3: 2: 57, 1981). He also believes the familiarity between the independent of Federation of Malaya and the British will remain strong, as the British had been protecting the privileges and interests of the Malays from the control of foreign races in Malaya (TAR 1: 7: 57, 1981).

In hisdeclaration ofthe Federation of Malaya’s independenceon 31 August 1957, TunkuAbdulRahmanappreciatesBritishthat have keepingwell Malaya behind thememory ofthe First and the Second World War(TAR 8: 8: 57, 1981). He thenhadto make surethe Federation of MalayaandthenMalaysiainfavor ofWestern either in the United Nations politics, the opposition of blocideologyorregional cooperation. Heshamelesslyto expresspro-Western stanceandopenly opposedinternationalcommunism. At the same time, due to his suspicion ofneutrality policy, whatevercomes from the Non-AlignedMovement(NAM) will bedisputed, andlabeledas alineora communist puppet(Faridah, 2007).

JAPANESE BLOOD DEBT ISSUE

Japanese foreign policy in Southeast Asia after the Second World War is based on the Yoshida Doctrine. After the defeat of Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida declared that economic development will be a priority in Japan. At that time, Japanese interest in Southeast Asia, particularly with regard to raw materials is one of the tools to build the national economy (Adiasri Putri Purbantina, 2013). British officials then saw the Japanese approach to the region is inevitable and decided not to stop by the year 1954. American capital, Japanese technical skills and of Southeast Asia resources must be connected to fight Communism (The Singapore Free Press, 29 May 1957).British also welcomes the development of the Southeast Asian market through Nobusuke Kishi development plan under the South-East Asia Development Fund (SEADF) because it will improve Britain's economy grip too (Junko, 2000). Nobusuke Kishi's intention for Japan to take a leading role in helping to ensure that Southeast Asia remain in the Western camp (The Singapore Free Press, 6 September 1957). SEADF described as Japanese efforts to rebuild the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, this time under the auspices of the United States (The Straits Times, 5 November 1957).

Despitethe bad memoryof the Second WorldWar, TunkuAbdulRahman’s governmentsawthe need of the Federation of Malaya to re-establishrelationswithJapan(Mohd, 1995).Onlya few monthsafterthe Federation of Malaya’s independencein 1957, TunkuAbdulRahmanhad alreadypraisedthe success ofthe Japanese economy(Junko, 2000). Heinvitespeopleto pay attentiontowhat theJapanese doing in the construction ofeconomicandindustrialachievementsso that theycanfollow thepathinthe direction ofthe developed world(The StraitsTimes, 25 November 1957). TunkuAbdulRahmandid not want toseeeconomic relationsbetweenthe Federation of MalayaandJapanaffected byany claims ofdamages(Khadijah &Lee, 2003).

Compared toother countriesinAsiaand Africa that afterindependenceis stillnotstableandcontinues to struggleagainst capitalismandimperialism, the Federion of Malaya’s governmentdeclared their foundationisdevelopingsociety, especiallythose living inrural areas.TunkuAbdulRahmancreate apolicyandphilosophythateasy to understand, "the police we put theinterests ofthefood, nota bullet, not abarrackshousing, clothingrather thanuniforms." (Zainuddin, 2004). Following thegovernment'saccomplishmentsin lessthantwoyears afterindependence, in 1959,TunkuAbdulRahmandeclared thathe was thehappiest Prime Minister in the world.He hasgoodreasontorejoicebecause the moneyis flowinginto the country, the businesshas grown, newindustrywas createdandthe countryis in a stateof peace and harmony(ibid.).

Following the increase in the prices of rubber and tin, within two years after independence, the Federation of Malaya’s government was able to store surplus state revenues by approximately $ 200 million, a remarkable thing that rarely happened in any other country. Given this strong position, the Federation of Malaya’s goverment has got full confidence and high opinion from other countries. With that belief the foreign investors are racing to come to the country to open a company and invest in them. The Federation of Malaya was seen as an emerging star in Southeast Asia (TAR: 2: 4: 60, 1985).

 Starting in 1962, the Federation of Malaya’s government step to promote understanding of Asian countries, especially Japan to the people of this country is through study tours. A total of $ 1 million provided by the government to sponsor society delegates that are made up of various groups. In addition to government funding, there also are group of teachers that active in organizing tours to Japan during their vacations using their own expense (TR 2: 4: 63, 1980).

On24 August 1963, 34representatives ofthe Association of Chinese Commerce Chambers askedthe Japanese governmenttopayas much as$ 50million for thecompletionof bloodshed. Its chairman, SenatorChanKwong Hon said theydid not want todiscuss anylegislationon compensationfor warwithJapanbecausethe matterhas beensettled between theBritishandthe Japanesebefore.They wantJapanto be responsiblefor killingthe Chinesein Malayaduring the war. This is aviolation ofinternational law. Itis the Japanese moralresponsibilityforresolvingthe bloodydebt especially afterthe Federation of Malayawas sogenerous withprovidingopportunitiesforthe Japanese economyto expandinSoutheastAsia. By signingtrade agreementswiththe Federation of Malaya, the Japanesemanaged tojoin the GATTorganization that they failed to join before evenwith the help ofthe United States(The StraitsTimes, 24 August 1963).

The Government is willing to resolve the issue of Japanese government blood debt if necessary. The Government intends to maintain and continue the good relations that have long existed between the two countries, and any level of government negotiations with foreign countries should only be carried out by the central government (The Straits Times, 15 September 1963). Vice President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), V. Manickavasagam expressed MIC support with the Indian Chamber of Commerce on blood debt claims from Japan. But his party will submit this issue to be solved by Tunku Abdul Rahman (The Straits Times, 16 October 1963). Representatives of Malaysia and Japan in the first round of discussion on the issue of blood debt in Kuala Lumpur agreed that although the payment of this money will not be able to eliminate the suffering and death in the local community as a result of the war, but the token is a sign of reconciliation can help eliminate the sad memory of the past and build the foundation of friendship genuine and lasting between two countries (The Straits Times, 25 October 1963). Chinese Chamber of Commerce will not drop the charge of murder from Japan, but they took Tunku Abdul Rahman’s advice to wait for a more appropriate time (The Straits Times, March 2, 1966).

 Fortune magazine in its December 1964 issue stated that Malaysia is moving towards the second advanced economies in Asia other than Japan. The magazine quoted an American investment analyst who called Malaysia as the safest bet for foreign investment in Southeast Asia. This is because the economy is stable and the currency is strong. Malaysia also has a transport system, power and the best transport in Southeast Asia. Foreign entrepreneurs can expect the best service from the courts and public services in Malaysia. The main credit for this positive atmosphere should be given to Tunku Abdul Rahman who believes the best way to ensure national unity and salvation is through the rapid increase in the standard of living of its citizens. Although Malaysia has some serious economic problems, but unlike its neighbors, the Malaysian government take realistic steps to resolve it. Like most developing countries, Malaysia dependent on exports of commodities to reduce dependence on rubber and tin. Government officials are now expanding the country's agricultural base (The Straits Times, 23 November 1964).

Malaysiadoes nothave tolead tomurkyrelationshipwithJapanas a result ofthe blood debt issue. TunkuAbdulRahmanconfirmedto havereceived a letter fromJapanese Prime MinisterSatowho agreed tohonorthe debt (The StraitsTimes, 25 November 1966). The Malaysian governmentmustdeterminethe amount of damagesandhowitshouldbe paidbecausethe Japanese governmentcan nothand overmoneywithoutseeinghowthe appropriate payment(The StraitsTimes, 24 December 1964). TunkuAbdulRahmansees itmoreas a goodwill payment (The StraitsTimes, May 7, 1964) from Japanandis willing toaccept anyreasonable amount. FurthermoreJapanhad paid alargesumto theBritishonthe atrocities committedduring the war(The StraitsTimes, 15 December 1966).

 Japanese Foreign Ministervisit, EtsusaburoShiinahas providedmutual benefittoboth countries. This visitis successfuleven the governmentwere a bit disappointedbecause the blood debt issueis not resolvedduring his visit. Asan industry leaderinAsia, Japanshouldhelpother countriesin the regionin the industry and economy construction. Japanshould shoulderthis responsibilitybecausethe economy stability is one factorthatcanguaranteesecurityin the region(ibid.).

 In January 1967, Tunku Abdul Rahman declared that he would meet with representatives of the Association of Chinese Chamber of Commerce to remind them not to be too stingy with the demands of their claims. He felt that the amount of $ 130 million requested by the association is too much to be accomplished by the Japanese government (The Straits Times, 11 January 1967). Chairman of the Association of Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Tan Sri T. H. Tan stressed that the demands of blood debt totaling $ 130 million, representing $ 10 million for each state (The Straits Times, 11 December 1966) (previously $ 180 million) (The Straits Times, 5 November 1966 ) must be completed within 6 months starting December 10 last year or there will be occur massive boycott against Japanese goods in Malaysia by Chinese merchants if the Japanese government fails to do so (The Straits Times, 21 December 1966). Although Japan was to pay compensation for war damage after the surrender, but they paid to the British government and then go to the British owners of rubber plantations, tin mines and business houses. Only a few local residents who receive benefits. Malaysians feel that the Japanese government did not understand their feelings when settling Singapore claims first (The Straits Times, 18 November 1966). The Japanese government should settle Malaysian claim first because inhabitants of this country are suffering worse (The Straits Times, 5 February 1967).

TunkuAbdulRahmandeclaredon19 February 1967that he would notberepresentative ofanyclaimpaymentrequiredfromthe Japanese governmenttoresolve the blood debt issue. Grants receivedfromthe blooddebt settlementshould be regardedas a sign ofgoodwillfromthe Japanese government. Itcan then be usedfor development purposessuch asthe establishment ofa university collegein Penang(The StraitsTimes, 7 May 1965). TunkuAbdulRahmanwillsee the responseof the Association of Chinese Chamber ofCommerce whetherthe money isconsideredas a sign ofgoodwill ormandatory. Hewill notrepresenttheir demandsifpayment isconsideredmandatory.Thisissuehas beenlong goneandBritishalreadycollectall paymentsfromJapan(The StraitsTimes, 19 January 1967).

The best solution to the blood debt issue is Japan helped the construction of a university college in Penang and establishes national shipping company. Malaysia has long been eager to have its naval vessels that can transport cargo overseas but face problems of cost, difficulty managing and strong opposition from shipping companies and cargo conferences. If Malaysia can make an agreement with Japan to use its facilities, ships and manpower from Japan to help manage the ships themselves up to be independent, it will provide an ongoing benefit to the country. Tunku Abdul Rahman insists he will not seek war reparations or blood debt payments because of claims that should have been done before. He also doubted that Japan will be able to pay the Association of Chinese Chamber of Commerce claims amounted to $ 130 million as Japan is now a shortage of foreign exchange. The move will only worsen relations between the two countries. This must be avoided because this issue has long been accepted (The Straits Times, 24 May 1967).

 The Association of Chinese Chamber ofCommerceurgednot to pursuethe Japanese blood debt issuefurther. This issue has beenresolvedbyTunkuAbdulRahmanin a spirit ofgoodwillandthe time has comefor Malaysians to look forward. Japanese peoplealso receivedthe infiniteregretof leavingtheir countryruledby themilitary(The StraitsTimes, 23 July 1967). In August1967,the Malaysian governmentrejected the blood debt drafttreatybecauseJapanwanted no more blood debt claims fromanyoneelseafter the dealis done. TunkuAbdulRahmanexplained thatthe government can notacceptthis situationbecauseany claimsfrompeoplewho were done legallycan not beprevented(The StraitsTimes, 21 September 1967).

 The deals of offering two ships worth $ 25 million and related assistance that has been reached between Malaysia and Japan will be well received by the people of this country. Both of these ships are repellent to the formation of the national shipping industry and the shareholding will be offered to the public (ibid.). As Malaysia does not have experience in the management of the ship, Japan is expected to help in terms of manpower skilled (The Straits Times, 22 September 1967). On 25 September 1967, the Chairman of the Association of Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Tan Sri T. H. Tan urged all members to receive the blood debt claim settlement through offering of two ships (The Straits Times, 18 August 1967) amounted to $ 25 million (The Straits Times, 8 May 1968), signed by Tunku Abdul Rahman and Japanese Ambassador, T. Kojima (The Straits Times, 20 September 1967). The Government will also discuss with the Japanese government on training crews for the two vessels (The Straits Times, 17 November 1967). The Association of Chinese Chamber of Commerce has agreed to accept any decision made by Tunku Abdul Rahman (The Straits Times, 9 October 1963) and his decision to accept the Japanese offer are for the long-term interests of both countries. If the association was still not satisfied and want to proceed with the issue, they were asked to go to the British government who has received war reparations of $ 500 million from Japan (The Straits Times, 25 September 1967).

In October1967,the Association of Chinese Chamber ofCommerce wrote a letter toTunkuAbdulRahmantodeclarethat the grant oftwo shipsworth$ 25millionfromthe Japanese governmentas asolutionto the blood debtremains inadequate. This is becauseSingaporereceived compensation of $ 25millionand$ 25millionloan. In aresponseletter, TunkuAbdulRahmanconvincethe councilthat the governmentintends toresolve this issueonce and for all, thus not to damagethe good relationsthat have longexistedbetweenthe two countriesandthreatenpeace and stability inSoutheastAsia. Malaysiahas nolegal basisfor anyclaimasthe San Francisco Treaty in 1951has waivedall claimsforcompensationof damage orsufferingduring the Japanese occupation(The StraitsTimes, 24 June 1967).

Despite the goodwill agreement has been signed, but problems still arise when Tunku Abdul Rahman declared while the Japanese government still hedging their decision when it comes to giving two ships that were promised, he was unable to prevent people from raising the blood debt issue. This is because Malaysia has repeatedly asked Japan about the ships specification data and technical, but still did not receive any response. The reason given was the shipyards refused to supply the data as it is a commercial secret. But earlier this year shipbuilding experts from Japan have been coming to Malaysia to hold talks with government officials and promised to send data. The Association of Chinese Chamber of Commerce has been cooperating with the government in dealing with the blood debt issue. But if Japan continues to oscillate he will not be able to prevent the chamber from raising this matter again. Malaysia are luckier than Singapore because Japan pledged Singapore $ 50 million, but not all grants while Malaysia has been pledged $ 25 million grant and a loan of $ 100 million. It is more of a goodwill payment with two ships as part of it (The Straits Times, 21 August 1968).

After theconfrontation ended, BritishandMalaysia relations become damage. It startswiththe separation ofSingaporefromMalaysiawithoutdepth explanation to the Britishfirst.Followedbya reduction inthe Britisheconomy aid, which sawMalaysiarequestsfor defence assistanceof$ 630millionrejected.The climaxsawTunku Abdul Rahmanaccused theBritishholdconfidentialdiscussionswithIndonesiaon the establishment ofMalaysia. Malaysiaalsolook back onthe importance ofAnglo-Malayan DefenceAgreement(AMDA), as Britainhas announced acommitmenttoreducemilitaryanddefence spendinginthe entire east areaof the Suez Canalbeganin 1971andfullycompleteby mid-1970. Malaysiabegan torealize thatthey can not rely their foreign policy forever onBritishandtheir allies(Johan, 2010).

CONCLUSION

Like many other developing countries in this region, the number of the Federation of Malaya’s trade with non-Asian countries is much higher than the volume of trade with Asian countries. As a major commodity producer, the Federation of Malaya should depend on trade with Western countries. Despite the country pro-Western policy, the diplomatic relations between Japan and the Federation of Malaya has an economic motive. The Federation of Malaya as a newly independent country is very dependent on Japan for the supply of industrial goods, investment funds, technology, industry and financial assistance. Japan also needs a supply of minerals, petroleum and other raw materials that can be supplied on an ongoing basis to ensure the development of its industry and enterprise. It becomes clear to the country's leadership that by extending the war reparations issue will only affect the common economic interests of both parties.

By signingtrade agreementswiththe Federation of Malaya, the Japanesemanaged tojoin the GATT organization that they failed to join before evenwith the help ofthe United States.The Government intendsto maintain andcontinue thegood relationsthat have longexistedbetweenthe two countries, andanylevel of governmentnegotiationswith foreign countriesshould becarried outby the central governmentonly.TunkuAbdulRahmanseesthe blood debt issue as goodwill payment fromJapanandready to acceptanyreasonable amount. FurthermoreJapanhad paid alargesumto theBritishonthe atrocities committedduring the war. The bestsolutionto theblooddebtissueis Japanhelpedthe construction of auniversity collegein Penangandestablishnationalshipping company.

REFERENCE

Paper

Anonymous. 1957. KISHI ADVISER TELLS ABOUT COPROSPERITY. The Singapore Free Press, 29 May: 12.

Anonymous. 1957. ‘Copy Japan to produce more food’. The Straits Times, 6 September: 7.

Anonymous. 1957. Filipino senator: ‘Co-prosperity again’. The Straits Times, 5 November: 3.

Anonymous. 1963. ‘Pay $50m debt of blood’ call by Malaya. ‘JAPAN MUST ATONE’ DRIVE SPREADS: NOW CHAMBERS ACT. The Straits Times, 24 August: 9.

Anonymous. 1963. The obstacles to more Japanese industries in S’pore removed. The Straits Times, 15 September: 2.

Anonymous. 1963. Settle now, says Tengku. JAPANESE ‘QUITE RESPONSIVE’. The Straits Times, 9 October: 5.

Anonymous. 1963. BLOOD DEBT: BACKING BY MIC. The Straits Times, 16 October: 5.

Anonymous. 1963. ROUND ONE of BLOOD DEBT TALKS OPENS. The Straits Times, 25 October: 7.

Anonymous. 1964. ‘Goodwill’ claim to be revived after state visit. The Straits Times, 7 May: 6.

Anonymous. 1964. Berjaya! ‘Malaysia best bet for foreign investment’. The Straits Times, 23 November: 6.

Anonymous. 1964. Blood debt settlement ‘soon’. The Straits Times, 24 December: 24.