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Surrender
After a meeting on the morning of 15th February 1942, Percival concluded, the supplies were just about exhausted and there was little left to defend, his orders were:
‘We will surrender.’
At 1400 hours a three man delegation is sent by Percival to Yamashita’s headquarters at the Ford Motor Factory but Yamashita refuses to see them without Percival present. At 1715 hours Percival arrives ( top right) with two staff officers, after shaking Yamashita’s hand, they then sit opposite each other.
Yamashita:
‘Do you wish to surrender unconditionally ?’
Percival:
‘Yes we do.’
Yamashita:
‘Have you any Japanese prisoners of war ?’
Percival:
‘None at all.’
Yamashita:
‘Have you any Japanese civilians ?’
Percival:
‘No, they have all been sent to India.’
Yamashita:
‘Very well. Will you please sign this document of surrender ?’
Percival started to read the document and asked Yamashita to wait till morning. Yamishita knew time was not on his side and demanded immediate surrender and Percival signed.
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