There has been a mixed reaction among war veterans and associations to the apology made by the Japanese Prime Minister.

Tony Blair earlier laid a wreath in memory of the dead

The Royal British Legion has welcomed Ryutaro Hashimoto's statement, which it described as a positive step on the road to reconciliation.

The legion has not been pressing for compensation for veterans and internees, and the spokesman said they were happy with the apology.

War veteran Steve Cairns wants an apology from the Emperor (1'43")

But Steve Cairns, welfare officer of the National Association of Far East Prisoner of War Clubs, said he wanted an apology from the Emperor of Japan.

Steve Cairns wants an apology from the Emperor

"Nothing less than an apology from the Emperor would tend to completely satisfy our people," he said.

"What on earth is wrong with giving a full apology, in person, by the Emperor, in private, when he is talking to the Queen?"

War veteran Arthur Titherington welcomes the apology, but renews the call for compensation (3'16")

Arthur Titherington, charman of Japanese Labour Camp Survivors of Great Britain, said on Monday that the latest apology was a step forward.

But he said the group was still calling for compensation of �12,000 for each prisoner of war or their widow.

"For years now we have been asking for compensation and a meaningful apology. It seems to me we are part way there," he said.

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