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It just gets better and better....

Posted by Tony on Tue Dec 18, 2001 05:43:43 AM

In reply top More on PNG scrappies.... posted by Tony on Tue Dec 18, 2001 05:29:57 AM

So, what East Coast seat of learning would this be then?



Selling History to the Highest Bidder
What does such an advertisement do to history? Our contacts in PNG have claimed that those who placed this advertisement did so naively. Interestingly, by advertising in this manner they have destroyed their own cause.

Export permits
It is the PNG Ministry of Culture through the PNG Museum of Modern History which alone is authorized to permit the export of such relics. Finding a wreck is fine, but exporting it is another matter. Those who are presently doing so have legal agreements with the PNG government on a 'restore & return basis'. Pacific Wrecks database has learned from sources in PNG that the company which placed this advertisement has been placed on a ban list for PNG visa entry purposes. The Ministry was angered that the advertisement will encourage villagers to exploit MIA sites before they are properly examined.

Economics of the Pacific & Warbirds
Such offers run counter to Papua New Guinea's policies in regard to war relics and their ownership by the government. Interestingly, the PNG government harbors no illusions as to the real value, historically and otherwise, of these wrecks. They are NOT prepared to allow them to be removed, unless strict agreements are in place. PNG is a small country, and news of unauthorized persons examining wartime sites soon reaches words of the authorities.

So-Called Restoration Groups
Although restoration groups claim they are protecting WWII history, their motives are usually to acquire specific parts for existing restoration projects. Their sensitivity to these relics is seen by oxyacetylene torching apart airframes, to expedite transportation, and often to act quickly before authorities catch up with them. Worse, many have questionable financial motives, and are often unaware of the challenges and cost of recovering such artifacts. Their plans for long-term preservation or public display are more often overshadowed by pure greed.

Destruction of Wrecks
As would be expected, "rich" outsiders offering money for historical artifacts breeds corruption in small villages and can destroy much of their social fabric. This another key reason why Pacific governments will not allow the removal of such relics.
Often, relics that have sat peaceful since the war are destroyed in feuding. Worse, eager buyers also encourages scrapping of wartime aluminum, that often contains precious historical artifacts. Many readers of such advertisements believe that because outsiders will pay for wrecks, scrap merchants will pay similar prices.

Moments and Gravesites
One must also remember that many wreck sites are also grave sites and in some cases, they are, or might contain human remains of Allied or Japanese MIAs. Certainly, in cases like this, leaving the site undisturbed is the right thing to do morally, and also practically as the integrity of true MIA sites can be destroyed even by collecting small metal parts from a site.

Tourism
The tourist potential for such wrecksite may very well be more valuable than even their worth as aviation parts. Fact is, most of the remain wrecks are better left where they are as they would require extensive work to restore, let alone make airworthy. By developing a tourist culture around these relics that will in turn spawn local pride in the past, and a particular village's contributions and sacrifices during the war.

A Clear Answer
There is a simple and clear answer to the issue of relics in the Pacific - leave them where they are. The truth is, most WWII aircraft that have been exported out of PNG in recent years are still subject to international law as regards legal ownership. Their removal robs the country where the war was fought of yet another historical treasure.

Summary
Those who placed this advertisement did so without any consultation with Pacific authorities. As a result both they, as individuals, and their company have been 'black-listed' by PNG authorities. Others involved in working with the PNG government, such as CILHI, are appalled at such blatant action by a US company. The end result of this advertisement is simply that more wrecks will be scrapped.

Outcome
Following the placement of this article, The Papua New Guinea Musem placed its own add in response. It remind readers that all exports of wreckage must go through them, and reminded readers of the strict laws and protectio afforded to wreckage from WWII.

Follow Ups: