Japan apologizes to Canada over POWs

TOKYO, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Japan issued a formal apology in Tokyo Thursday to Canada for its abuse and starvation of Canadian prisoners of war in World War II.

Toshiyuki Kato, Japanese vice minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered the apology to visiting Canadian Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney, and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird.

The apology was planned, as the ministers led a delegation of Canadian WW II veterans to Tokyo for the brief ceremony.

"This important gesture is a crucial step in ongoing reconciliation and a significant milestone in the lives of all prisoners of war. It acknowledges their suffering while honoring their sacrifices and courage," Blaney said.

The internments began Christmas Day 1941 when Allied forces surrendered to the Japanese after 18 day of fighting in the Battle of Hong Kong, a release from Blaney's office said. Some 290 Canadians were killed and 493 injured.

"The prisoners of war were forced into backbreaking labor in construction sites, mines, shipyards and foundries, and were frequently beaten and starved," the release said. "Another 267 men died in the camps before the survivors were liberated" in August 1945 after nearly four years in captivity.

"Many of those who returned to Canada suffered serious disabilities as a result of their experiences in Hong Kong, and many died prematurely."