POW Postscripts (1944)
Dorothy Parker, Portland, Oregon (General George M.-Taiwan) We quote: “Again, I want to do some reporting for your splendid little paper which is bringing so much information and cheer to all of us. I have received two broadcasts from the Tokyo radio recently…The comforting part of these two broadcasts is that George has received four letters from me and my cable of February 1943. These messages were read by a Japanese woman announcer and gave George’s serial number, which is the first time that has ever been done. It all sounded authentic but of course one never really knows…they use messages as bait for their propaganda which they keep pouring out. My great news is that I had a real letter from George the last of March, written, or rather printed in his own hand….It was dated August 28, 1943 and sounded most cheerful and optimistic. Quote: ‘Fifth message….Nothing from you as yet and am still patiently waiting, knowing that something is on the way; that you are being protected and your morale and chin are on the up and up. Mine are also. Am well and as happy as could be under these circumstances. I keep constantly in mind your promise of a turkey every Thursday. We have much to be thankful for. We can make the grade, doing our part and recall only a bad dream. Weather now very warm. Quite tropical. Keep well, keep busy.’…[A]ltogether the letter gave me quite a lift even if many months old, and I do hope that all your other reporters have had news…The news in the Pacific is getting better and better and we may be back in Manila before we know it and long before the Allies reach Berlin. When I read the letters in your little paper, I am so proud of our army wives – they are such good sports carrying on with a smile and cheerful word. Here’s to all of you and may victory be ours soon!”
Source: Marie Grimes and Hat Diller, co-editors, Philippine Postscripts, June 1, 1944, p. 1.
Image source: “Contents of packages of food for prisoners of war abroad,” U.S. Navy, March 1942, Library of Congress.