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Dear Comrade Tong Zeng,

Today I read some of your published articles and learned about your tireless efforts to seek justice for the several millions of compatriots slaughtered by the Japanese during the Japanese invasion into Chinese territory. I want to give you the highest salutation and appreciation on behalf of the victims and their family members nationwide. Your lofty spirit to serve the people is admirable and inspiring.
My mother was also a victim of the cruel oppression of the Japanese army. In the summer of 1943, my mother suddenly fell ill around 11pm, so I set out to take my mother to the hospital for treatment. But the Japanese army had enforced curfew after 10 o’clock each evening and roads were blocked off. I explained to the Japanese soldier that my mother was ill and needed treatment at the hospital; however my repeated requests were ignored. After returning home my mother’s illness aggravated, about two hours later her physical condition became indeed very dangerous. Once again, I piggybacked my mother to walk along a back alley, but again I met a Japanese soldier on the way. I pointed towards my mother and tried desperately to explain that she was very sick and asked for permission to pass. I knelt on the ground to repeatedly beg for permission but without any success. The Japanese solder was cruel enough to poke my mother’s upper body with the butt of his rifle. I had no option but to carry my mother back home. I found a bruised blood spot on my mother’s body and her condition was further deteriorated. She began to cough up blood. Before daybreak, my mother passed away with regret and hatred. The witnesses of that incident are still alive today; they can testify to this tragedy. My mother was only 42 when she died. I heard that the disease was caused by some bacteria spread by the Japanese invaders, which aimed to eliminate resistance from the Chinese people. The above criminal evidences are evidence that the Japanese invaders were the murderers of my mother.
After liberation, I raised this matter at the Complaint Meetings, only that there was no means to redress the grievance. Today I still want to lodge my complaint to the Japanese government and demand justice, they should compensate for the loss of the life of several million compatriots killed by them. Recently, I read articles on the newspaper stating that next year the Japanese government would handle legal issues from the WWII, including compensations. Comrade Tong Zeng, our whole family earnestly entrust you to redress the grievance for my mother and demand compensation for our loss. Of course, I myself should have personally paid you a visit, and ask for your assistance. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the trip due to financial reasons. If it is required in the future, I will arrange a visit. Please forward my letter to the Japanese Embassy, and negotiate on our behalf to demand compensation for the loss. If the problem can be settled, my mother will be able to rest in peace. Comrade Tong Zeng, I will reimburse all your expenses, please send a registered letter to me acknowledging receipt of this letter. I have attached the postage in the return envelope. I have written a registered mail to you earlier, which I suppose you must have received it. I look forward to your reply, much appreciated.

Best Regards

Family member of the victim　Sun Shuqin

Please let me know your detailed address and postal code

November 22, 1994