KHAN, Ahmad
Japanese Occupation of Singapore,
Accession Number 000400
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 12
Total Reels
- Low Lay Leng
Interviewer
- 05:33:38
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 12
Metadata
- 2 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:48
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Joined Security Sub-Branch of Special Branch in 1937. Function of Security Sub-Branch. Security risks and political situation in pre-war Singapore. His first assignment was to trace where wireless messages were relayed in Changi area. Another case was pre-war Japanese espionage - activities of Shinozaki and his agents. Shinozaki arrested and sentenced to Changi Prison. Helater became first Governor during Japanese Occupation.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 12
Metadata
- 2 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:41
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Strength of British defence in Far East. Security Sub-Branch and Japanese Section collaborated in watching Japanese activities. In some cases instead of conviction, suspects were just deported. In others if background information were received, they were not permitted to land. Japanese activities monitored through Registration of Alien Office. Had close relationship with British Security Service.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 12
Metadata
- 2 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*How he kept watch on Japanese activities. Techniques in finding agents. He even managed to recruit three Japanese nationals as his agents. Kind of information he was collecting. Extent of success in gathering information. What they did with information collected. Secret Service worked under direct instructions from government. Japanese propaganda in Singapore. Why it affected Indians and Malays more than Chinese.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 12
Metadata
- 2 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:20
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Japanese propaganda not successful. Factors contributing to Japanese success in Malayan campaign. Objective of his involvement with British Indian Army. Japanese used encirclement movement technique in wiping out retreating forces. Success of Japanese Fifth Column. Special Branch fully prepared for war. Japanese nationals rounded up and sent to Changi Prison when war was declared. Counteracting Japanese propaganda. People shocked by Japanese success. Circumstances leading to his arrest.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 12
Metadata
- 6 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:13
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Circumstances leading to his release on condition that he worked for Japanese Special Branch. Only top ranking Special Branch officers escaped to India; others continued to work for Japanese. Their relationship with Japanese. How Japanese sent out information collected here. How Special Branch gathered information. Role played by K Baba and other Japanese stores and photo studios in pre-war intelligence work. Types of people recruited to be agents for Japanese.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 12
Metadata
- 6 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:35
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Special Branch took action against Japanese only when documentary evidence was available. British policy generally mild and accommodating. Only Shinozaki case prosecuted in court. His reaction to British policy. What happened to his Japanese agents when war was declared. Local agents recruited by Special Branch. Number of staff in Japanese Section. Blades overall in charge. What they did with information collected.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 12
Metadata
- 6 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:33
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Reported for duty to Japanese authorities with other staff. Arrested and sent to Central Police Station. Reason for arrest. Description of how Special Branch was first started by Punjab Police Officers. How he was treated in prison. How he was saved from death. Agreed to work for Japanese Special Branch. His opinion of General Mizuma and Hoshino.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 12
Metadata
- 6 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:37
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*His view on objective of Japanese terrorism. Organisation of Japanese Special Branch. How Dalforce was started and its activities. Main functions of Japanese Special Branch. Objectives of Kana Fujiwara organisation. He was arrested twice again and both times rescued by same couple. His duties in Special Branch. Not putting whole-hearted efforts in gathering information for Japanese.
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Reel/Disc 9 of 12
Metadata
- 8 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:29:32
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Success of Kempeitai in getting rid of anti-Japanese elements but not Special Branch. How detainees were tortured in Special Branch. Type of crimes committed. His feelings towards Japanese. Why Special Branch continued working with Kempeitai. How he knew Japanese was losing the war. Why he did not expect surrender so soon. How Japanese Surrender was announced. Communists came out of jungle.
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Reel/Disc 10 of 12
Metadata
- 8 Mar 1984
Recording Date
- 00:26:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Incident where locals seeked revenge against Japanese. His impression of communists. Rumours spread by communists. Reported back to work in Special Branch. First duty to report on his own activities during occupation period. Interviewed by Director: J L Barry. War Crime Investigation set up under Major Tottman. Indian and Ceylonese Section under his charge. Background of Indian Independence League (IIL) and Indian National Army (INA).
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