HC Deb 20 November 1945 vol 416 cc381-2W
Major Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that official protection is immediately available for the internment camp areas in Java in which 100,000 Dutch women and children are presently held.

Mr. Lawson

This is one of the reasons for the presence of British troops in Java. I am satisfied that, in the circumstances, the best possible measures have been and are being taken to ensure their protection.

Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any evidence to the effect that the present disorders in Java have been started or fostered by the Japanese; how many Japanese troops and civilians remain at large in the island and how many under guard; and when it is proposed to send them back to Japan.

Mr. Lawson

There is no direct evidence that the present disturbances in Java have been started by the Japanese. There are, however, signs of clandestine support of the Indonesians by Japanese personnel. There are approximately 50,000 Japanese troops and 25,000 Japanese civilians in Java. The greater part of these are concentrated in the interior of the island until conditions enable their disarmament to be completed. It is not known how many have surrendered to the Indonesians. The repatriation of Japanese will be begun as soon as shipping becomes available.