Niewmismatic Error Coins

The Malayan Japanese Invasion Money (JIM Notes) Overprint With Calendar.
Rarity:RRRR

(Dickson Niew Collection)

JAPAN'S unconditional surrender finally released the people of Malaya from her realm of draconian regime. Britain's resurgent colonial rule over Malaya and her former colonies began when her military returned to Penang on September 3,1945 under the banner of the Allies. But the people of Malaya had been rudely awakened by their ordeal of three years and eight months. For them, the arteries of Britannia had opened and centuries of white supremacy had bled away. The wounds will now never be stanched.

All along, Britain had no intention of releasing the hold of her colonial possessions and lose the lucrative economic avail of Malaya. Under the discreet directions of Churchill's cabinet during the war, the Colonial Office in London and the army department had jointly set up the 'Malayan Planning Unit'. Its fundamental objectives were defined in a constitution prescribed by the General Secretary of the Colonial Office, Edward Gent, which was subsequently forwarded to the Malaya and Borneo Commission for viability studies. While the war was still in progress in May 1944, the cabinet sanctioned the promulgation of British stratocracy in Malaya after the war under the new constitution.

The Malayan Japanese Invasion Money (JIM Notes) Overprint With Calendar.Obverse.

On the day of official takeover from the Japanese, Adm. Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander of SE Asia, announced the installation of the British Military Administration (BMA) in Malaya which would be responsible for the acceptance of the Japanese surrender.  The Malayan Peoples' Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) was requested to stay away from the city and its representation in the acceptance of surrender was denied. Undeterred, the MPAJA's Central Committee continued to set up provisional law enforcement corps in various towns and cities all over the country. They seized enemy weapons,confiscated their properties and took on the task of relieving refugees and casualties. Warnings were issued against plunder and pillage; efforts were made to maintain the prices of food ; and law and order was preserved. These positive actions won the admiration and cooperation of the peope and there was no incident in areas under their control. The flags of the Republic of China and the Union Jacks were flown high in cities everywhere welcoming these resistance fighters.

The Malayan Japanese Invasion Money (JIM Notes) Overprint With Calendar.Reverse.

Adm. Mountbatten declared the inauguration of the BMA on September 12, 1945. Although most of the towns and cities in Malaya were already under the aegis of the MPAJA, it did not call upon the populace to stage a coup d'etat to gain independence. The anti-Japanese army was still committed in its allegiance to Britain and most of its member now actually looked forward to peaceful days. But the British were perturbed by its existence amidst the colony and sought ways and means to disarm and disband this fighting force.

The prewar British colonial rule over Malaya was only contingent, based on agreements between Britain and the sultans for their states to come under British protection. Absolute authority had never been assigned over. Postwar, the British accused the sultans of collaboration with Japanese forces during the occupation. Faced with the commination for their treacherous crimes, the sultans of the nine protectorates were rattled into signing new agreements that assigned their sovereign right 'voluntarily' to the King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In this manner, Britain had 'legally' obtained administrative powers in governing
Malaya.

The Malayan Japanese Invasion Money (JIM Notes) Overprint With Calendar.Reverse.

 (Error : The Malayan Japanese Invasion Money (JIM Notes) Overprint With Calendar printed without "Grim Memories Of 1941-1945" on the reverse).

The MPAJA was a formidable armed force, war hardened by more than three years of jungle warfare. It was respected and approved by the people. But the British regarded it with circumspection and attempts were made to appease the freedom fighters. They were invited to take part in the victory parade and were duly  commended. At the demobilization parades held in twelve deferent states, each received a gratuity of $350 in recognition of the MPAJA's contribution to the anti-Japanese campaign. Leaders of the MPAJA and MCP (Malayan Communist Party) were  given representations in the BMA legislative committee albeit without the right of veto. MPAJA's law enforcement corps established all over country relinquished their position and made way for the BMA. On November 15, the MCP and MPAJA officially accepted the British proposition of disbandment and surrendered their weapons.

On January 6, 1946, a grand parade was held in celebration of the victory over the Japanese on the padang in front of the City Hall. Adm. Mountbatten was present to personally award medals and sashes of commendation to commanders of Force 136  and the leader of MPAJA, Chin Peng and their deserving members. This was a memorable day for the British who celebrated a double-victory - the victories of achieving peace and sovereignty over Malaya.

The source of the JIM $1000-note overprint is unknown. It has the calender of 1946 overprint in red on its face and "V-J" on its back. There are several versions.

Source:Wong Hon Sum-THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION OF MALAYSIA (SINGAPORE) AND ITS CURRENCY.