Our Notes & References

Extremely rare Manila-printed pocket guide for US soldiers travelling through Asia: no other copies traced, neither on the market nor in libraries. OCLC locates only a handful of publications from the US Army Philippine Department, with the only non-military title being Health bulletin, a weekly journal published in 1921-23 and with only one copy recorded (National Library of Medicine).

A lovely example, well preserved in its original printed wrappers.

This apparently unrecorded guide for American soldiers stationed in Manila was published to help them “facilitate planning an itinerary” for travel to China, Japan, and India. Based on the (unknown) author’s personal experiences and those of his peers, the guide is divided into two parts: East Asia and India. It provides detailed information on necessary funds (with price breakdowns for various services), customs regulations (both official and experience-based), transport options (including notes on the comforts and discomforts of different trains and estimated travel times), and English proficiency (notably absent among rickshaws in Tokyo, Shanghai, Tientsin, and Hong Kong). It also offers advice on traditional local goods to purchase, bargaining rules, food and water safety, and recommendations for the best dining experience.

The small but dense guide also includes descriptions of cities in China, Japan, and Korea, which include the author’s observations and lists of attractions.

The section on travel to India is based on “notes made by Lieut-Colonel F. A. Pope, C.E., who visited India in March and April 1923.” Pope’s guide offers recommendations on travel routes and costs, relevant travel guides, and necessary clothing, including the “very desirable” items: “2 O.D. khaki shirts, 1 khaki suit, 1 black tuxedo, and 2 or 3 white or pongee suits.” It also includes general advice, such as the reminder: “The golden rule for those who visit India and wish to see their friends again is: ‘Keep out of the sun in the middle of the day and always wear a sun helmet in the daytime.'”

Pope also offers practical advice on securing a guide-interpreter-servant: “Men alone should get a Mohammedan, but if there are ladies in the party, it will be necessary to get a Hindu, as Mohammedans will NOT work for a woman. Such a guide-servant should not be trusted too much and should be kept in his place, as he will despise anyone who treats him as well as people usually treat white servants, Filipinos, or Chinese.” He further emphasises the diversity of castes, races, and religions in India, noting that they “all hate one another”, and that readers should still “not hesitate to talk to any white man aboard ship or on trains. The English appear to be a little diffident at first, but they are glad to talk with any gentleman who is of white skin.”

The guide concludes with brief information on passport requirements, advice on preparations, and application fees for military personnel and their relatives in various countries.