Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape has expressed strong offense at a statement made by US President Joe Biden, who implied that cannibals in PNG might have eaten his uncle during World War II.This event has heightened diplomatic tensions presently.
During a speech at a Pennsylvania war memorial, President Biden recounted the story of his Army Air Corps aviator uncle, Second Lt. Ambrose J. Finnegan Jr., saying, “They never found the body because there used to be — there were a lot of cannibals for real in that part of New Guinea.” His uncle was reported missing after his aircraft crashed into the ocean off New Guinea due to engine failure.
Marape has taken Biden’s comments as a slight against the nation, which he feels is undeserved. In a statement provided to The Associated Press on Monday, Marape said, “President Biden’s remarks may have been a slip of the tongue; however, my country does not deserve to be labeled as such.” He emphasized the burden his country bears, still littered with the detritus of war, including plane and shipwrecks, unexploded ordnance, and potentially the remains of servicemen like Biden’s uncle.
The Prime Minister also noted that the conflict of World War II was not instigated by the people of PNG but that they were “needlessly dragged into a conflict that was not their doing.” This sensitive subject comes to the fore as PNG faces current challenges related to its wartime legacy, with citizens fearing the detonation of leftover bombs.
The timing of Biden’s comments is particularly delicate as Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commenced an official visit to PNG to reinforce defense ties. The Australian leader stated before his departure, “I’m very confident that PNG has no stronger partner than Australia and our defense and security ties have never been stronger.”
The White House, through press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, defended Biden, emphasizing his intention to speak to his uncle’s bravery and the sacrifices of U.S. service members. Jean-Pierre said, “his uncle, who lost his life when the military aircraft he was on crashed in the Pacific after taking off near New Guinea. The president highlighted his uncle’s story as he made the case for honoring our sacred commitment to equip those we send to war and take care of them and their families when they come home.”
Amid the furor, Marape has also urged the United States to step up efforts in recovering the war dead and clearing the wreckage of war scattered across PNG. “Perhaps, given President Biden’s comments and the strong reaction from PNG and other parts of the world, it is time for the USA to find as many remains of World War II in PNG as possible, including those of servicemen who lost their lives like Ambrose Finnegan,” he said.
Relevant articles:
– Papua New Guinea leader takes offense after Biden implies his uncle was eaten by cannibals, The Associated Press, 04/23/2024
– Papua New Guinea leader defends nation after Biden’s ‘cannibals’ comment, NBC News, Mon, 22 Apr 2024 22:34:30 GMT
– Papua New Guinea leader blasts Biden for claiming his uncle was eaten by cannibals, Fox News, Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:32:00 GMT
– Papua New Guinea leader offended by Biden cannibal comment, The Independent, Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:16:15 GMT