in not having made explicit 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 conversation, 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 TAKUYO.
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 time.
We truthfully hed 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 mission thus far and the cordial and cooperative relationship
which had prevailed from the moment of our first contact, it
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ROE ARCHiVES
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