PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea firmly defended his nation after President Joe Biden’s recent remarks regarding World War II, where Biden implied that his uncle’s body may have been consumed by cannibals in the Pacific Island nation. Marape expressed his country’s disapproval of being associated with such a stereotype, urging the United States to address the lingering aftermath of the war in the region.
During a speech in Pennsylvania, Biden recounted the loss of his uncle, Army Air Corps aviator Ambrose J. Finnegan, stating that he was shot down during the war in New Guinea, where there were reportedly cannibals. However, historical records do not mention the downing of the aircraft or cannibalism, indicating that the plane crashed into the ocean off the north coast of Papua New Guinea for unknown reasons, with the bodies of the three men aboard never being recovered.
Marape emphasized the importance of acknowledging Papua New Guinea’s role in assisting the United States in the search and repatriation of fallen service members from World War II. He highlighted the ongoing threats posed by unexploded ordnance in the region, underscoring the significant impact of the war on the nation and its people.
The prime minister drew attention to the unresolved mysteries of World War II that still linger in the waters, mountains, and jungles of Papua New Guinea. He urged President Biden to take action in addressing the remnants of the conflict, allowing closure for families with missing loved ones like Ambrose Finnegan.
Biden’s remarks have strained relations with Papua New Guinea, a vital ally in the Pacific region as the U.S. seeks to counter China’s growing influence through security agreements. Marape’s meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
As the legacy of World War II continues to shape the landscape of Papua New Guinea, Marape’s call for the United States to acknowledge and address the historical impact of the conflict reflects the enduring significance of past events on the present-day realities of the nation.