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[Page 41]
(2)
(3) A German Station was directly in line of fire behind "Komet".
(4) It would probably be necessary to shell trenches and gun-pits ashore after shelling "Komet", which would have wasted large quantities of shrapnel.
(5) The German Governor having already surrendered, presumably his Yacht should be included in surrender and should therefore not be shelled.
I would point out the following additional points for your consideration:-
(1) Mr. Komine (Japanese) of Rabaul was on board "Komet",[correctly, on board "Nusa"] and, thanks to his help and knowledge of natives, "Komet" was exactly located. Mr. Komine showed great enterprise and absolute indifference to the probability of "Nusa" receiving "Komet's " fire; he also showed his great anxiety to help us by abandoning his occupation of salving a wreck off the Islands in order to accompany the Expedition.
(2) Mr. Whiteman of Rabaul accompanied the Expedition and it was due to information previously obtained by him that Talassis was made our objective.
(3) The Military Officer in charge of native labor supplied us with natives from the exact locality where we hoped to find "Komet" and the success of the Expedition is very largely due to his discrimination.
Supplement to para 3: Since capture of "Komet" Mr. Whiteman has acted as Paymaster of "Komet" and also as Naval Intelligence Officer. Important information re enemy's merchant cruisers is in "Komet's" log and Col. Paton, with the assistance of Mr. Whiteman has collected such information.
Mr. Whiteman has also made a complete list of stores on board "Komet" and his business knowledge had saved me an immense amount of trouble, my time being fully occupied in navigating the two vessels under my command.
Lt. Col. Paton has taken charge of prisoners; two of "Komet's" Officers were not on board "Komet", but Lt. Col. Paton has taken steps to secure them.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Sgd.) J.M. Jackson,
Lt. Commander R.N
Commanding H.M.A.S. "Komet" and H.M.A.S. "Nusa".