Historical account of the background and responses to the killings of Japanese and Europeans in East Arnhem Land in the 1930s; history of the creation of Arnhem Land and early contact - explorers, pastoralists and missionaries; establishment of Roper River, South Goulburn Island, Emerald River, Milingimbi and Yirrkala Missions; the slaying of five Japanese trepangers at Caledon Bay (1932) and Fagan, Traynor and McColl on Woodah Island (1933); subsequent trial (of Tuckiar) and its wider impact on the question of land rights; role of the police, government, missions , the press and anthropology.