In 2011, I wrote this letter to General David Morrison, Chief of the Army. He did not respond in any way- not to even acknowledge receipt of it. This says much about his arrogance, and about his competence as a leader. It also says much about his mooted views on 'fairness' and 'inclusivity'. 19th October 2011 Department of Defence Defence Legal – DOIL CP2-3-082 PO Box 7911 CANBERRA BC ACT 2610 Dear Sir or Madam You are aware that I am the author of 'The War Within'- a memoir which includes two chapters concerning the actions of the 2nd D&E Platoon in South Vietnam in 1969. I write in reference to the matters concerning that Platoon- and specifically refer to the revelation by investigative journalist Frank Walker (author of 'Ghost Platoon') that he had unearthed evidence proving that atrocities had been committed in Vietnam by a combined armour/infantry force of which that platoon was part, in 1969, and that that evidence had subsequently been ‘buried’. You would know by now that proof exists that not only were atrocities committed, but that the Task Force Commander of the day- Brigadier C.M.I. Pearson not only was made aware of the atrocities, but failed to act in accordance with international law. I am aware that the Directorate has stated that it enquired into the allegations previously, and declared that the ‘enquiry’ by Major Gordon Pound had found no evidence to substantiate the allegations. I am also aware the ADF and the AWM have both declared that they were unable to provide copies of that ‘enquiry’- which allowed them to wipe their hands of the matter, and Major Pound now professes no recall of ever conducting it. (Because he didn’t! He called not one witness to it.) I am now aware that a file exists within the National Archives titled: “Atrocities- South Vietnam- 3 CAV” and that it clearly states that Brigadier C.M.I. Pearson, Task Force Commander of the day, had been made aware that atrocities had been committed, and not only took no action (as he was required under international law at the time, and remains) but rewarded the miscreant responsible with a Mention-in-Dispatches. You would be aware that I have been the recipient of years of vilification and slander as a consequence of pursuing this matter, received death threats on many occasions, and a physical bashing in January this year- and all the while, the truths of this matter have remained closely guarded secrets. No longer. I formally request you open an investigation into why the 2nd D&E Platoon was erased from records of the war, why the atrocities of May 29th were not acted upon by C Pearson, which senior officers have been complicit in various cover-ups to do with the matter (including the extent of historian Ashley Ekins’ involvement), which senior officers set up the Australian Veteran Matters website (which was used to try and silence me), which legal officers were utilised to moderate and administer that web site, where did the funding for the site come from, and what role did the AWM play in this cover-up. You should be aware that the erasure of this platoon has caused me and many others great anguish over the years, and I will not rest until a full enquiry of some sort is held, and those responsible are called to account- regardless of their reputations or standing within the ADF or society. I fought for my country willingly in a time of war, and sacrificed my health in circumstances which any soldier would normally be proud of. But the bastardisation of my service history has detracted from that, at great personal cost. And some bastards are going to pay. In the likely event of another whitewash, or this letter being ‘lost’, or ignored, I intend publishing it far and wide. There will be no place to hide for those who are complicit in this matter. It’s time to do the right thing by the 39 infantry privates, sir- and to hell with protecting the officer ranks. Yours Sincerely Don Tate * Note: This week, I received an email from a Brigadier Jane Spalding from Defence who has been asked to investigate these matters at long last. She will be getting a comprehensive outline this week. I also advised her that 'Anzacs Betrayed' contains everything- all the evidence (documents, letters. photographs etc etc of what has been described as '..events unparalleled in Australian military history..') It is still available from the National Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island, Victoria. I trust Defence will get a copy for themselves.