good talk

Tomoyuki Yamashita (Nov. 8, 1885 to Feb. 23, 1946), as a General of the Japanese Imperial Army began the invasion of Malaya on Dec. 8, 1941.  Although outnumbered almost 3 to 1 by the British Forces consisting of British, Australian, and Indian, the spirited-Japanese went through Malaya so quickly that Gen. Yamashita became known as the "Tiger of Malaya." Reaching near Singapore, the Battle of Singapore was Feb. 8 to Feb. 15, 1942.  Yamashita's Army which he boasted could "March and Fight On 2 Bowls of Rice a Day" wasn't getting it, as his supply-line was stretched so far from going through Malaya so rapidly, and they low on ordnance.  During nightly bombardments, the General had his big-guns moved-about constantly to give the impression of numbers.  The British agreed to a "surrender conference" on Feb. 15, 1942 at which Yamashita bullied the incompetent, timid, Lt. Gen. Arthur Percival.  Tomoyuki, a brilliant man who spoke good English smacked the table (I had my own hand on the "surrender table" which is in the Singapore National Museum) after Percival said that he needed time to consider ...I need an answer, now!...  ...Yes...  The Japanese took 80 thou prisoners, Winston Churchhill was astonished as Singapore was thought to be impregnable.  This marked a show of superiority of Asian Man over White Man who had dominated the region for 400 years, indeed, the Japanese had taken Malaya and Singapore in 70 days.  During the Japanese Occupation 20 to 30 thou Chinese were killed, to show 'em who was boss.  During the final days of the War, Gen. Yamashita was in command of the Philippines, during which atrocities occurred.  Quickly tried and convicted after the War under immoral ex post facto laws (banned by our own Constition and in violation of international law), Tomoyuki was hung on Feb. 23, 1946 after expressing, from the gallows, warm feelings for various named American Officers for kind treatment during his captivity