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Two Heroes
War Correspondent Noel- Qttaivay
Outstanding figures of the
Japanese occupation of
Nauru were:
® Native pastor who refus
ed under pain of death to
burn his Bible.
® Native police sergeant
major who organised an es
pionage system under the
verv noses of, the enemy.
London (Missionary Society
Pastor Rusia was ordered by the
Japs to burn the Bibles which had
been used by his congregation,
but he refused.
He was told that if he failed to
comply he would be executed. He
still refused. '
As his execution became imminent
he was sa^ed by the interception of
a high-ranking Japanese medical
officer. ; ' '
Police Sergeant-Major Itisima was
given an opportunity leave the island
before the Japanese occupation, but
he elected to stay with the civilian
administrator Lieut.-Colonel Chal
mers.
He was warned not to oppose the
Japs and he hid his uniform. But
he could no* hide his pro-Allied sym
pathies and the Japs deprived Him of
all office, except island gaoler.
They gave their confidence instead
to the remaining Nauru police boys, ?
who were able to dissemble their,
feeling. :
SPY SYSTEM
But they overlooked the fact that
Itisima was their immediate com
manding officer. ?
He had a perfect spy system at his
hand and he used it with daring
thoroughness. ? ?
Every move of the Japs was re
ported to him by the police boys,
including their vilest cruelty.
Itisima constantly counselled reti
cence in the presence of the- Jap? and
succeeded so well that the enemy
never realised that the great rallying
point of the Nauruans was one of
their own minor officials.
When the Australians moved in
they wanted to know the why and
wherefore of every Jap act.
They found that Itisima knew all
tl.,? answers. ,4
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