Benjamin Gilman: “this resolution sets out the sense of Congress that the United States Government should support ex-Prisoners of War held…”

“this resolution sets out the sense of Congress that the United States Government should support ex-Prisoners of War held by Japan who were slave laborers in their effort to obtain an apology and just compensation for the period they suffered in Japan. They suffered months of forced labor, beatings, and starvation; many of their fellow-prisoners, of course, did not survive. As a veteran of the Japanese theater in World War II, I, together with my contemporaries look at our comrades who were held as slave laborers and readily say ``there but for the grade of God to I.'' But everyone who values freedom should put themselves in the shoes of those valiant survivors. I am gratified that my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), has led this fight. What would we ask for in their position? We are not legislating a solution. We are asking that the Administration devote itself, in the time remaining in the lives of these brave men, to facilitating the discussions they are seeking. I hope that the strong support that this resolution will surely gain today will send a signal both to the Administration and to Tokyo. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the Senate concurrent resolution. The Senate concurrent resolution was concurred in. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”