“SE +m ESNEi EDENtAL in not having madeexplicit arrangements with the native skipper of the launch who had been placed at our disposal constantly—~as were two cars and drivers—throughout our stay in Rabaul. 0900 The skipper was at Mass. Boarded TAKUYO after being ferried from dock by her launch which was sent in for us when they noticed us waiting on the dock. 0900-1130 Greeted warmly again. Proceeded to Captain's cabin. Joined by medical and scien- tific personnel of TAKUYO and, shortly, by the Captain of the SATUMA and his corresponding counterparts. After a short period of greetings, soft drinks, and general conver- sation, the subject of our final visit aboard arose very naturally when we were queried as to our findings regarding the health of the personnel by the Captain of the TAKDYO. He also stated that he was required "by his headquarters” to obtain a "written statement" from us before they (his head- quarters) would approve his departure from Rabaul. The Captain of the SATUMA made a similar request at this tine. We truthfully had not anticipated this eventuality and had no guidance on this particular point to rely on, although, at our final conference prior to departure for Rabaul, we had discussed every possibility and potential aspect. How- ever, in view of the over-all technical success of our nis- sion thus far and the cordial and cooperative relationship which had prevailed from the moment of our first contact, it Bl BOE ARCHIVES I‘