The Riddler
New member
An American marine was captured by the Japanese on an island in the South Pacific during WWII. He was brought before the Japanese commander and offered the following situation.
The commander informed the marine that they usually just execute their prisoners immediately, but, allowing the fact that they are very bored on their little island they were going to do something different this time. He told the marine:
"In the morning I will ask you to make a statement. If we deem the statement to be true, you will be shot. But if we deem it to be false, you will hang."
The next morning the marine was again brought before the commandant and his staff and asked for his statement. The marine gave the statement, and a tremendous furor broke out the officers. So perplexed were they by what he said that they took an adjournment to discuss their decision.
When then came back, it was obvious they were very agitated, but being honorable men, they turned the marine loose and sent him safely off the island.
Question: What could the marine have possibly said to escape death?
The commander informed the marine that they usually just execute their prisoners immediately, but, allowing the fact that they are very bored on their little island they were going to do something different this time. He told the marine:
"In the morning I will ask you to make a statement. If we deem the statement to be true, you will be shot. But if we deem it to be false, you will hang."
The next morning the marine was again brought before the commandant and his staff and asked for his statement. The marine gave the statement, and a tremendous furor broke out the officers. So perplexed were they by what he said that they took an adjournment to discuss their decision.
When then came back, it was obvious they were very agitated, but being honorable men, they turned the marine loose and sent him safely off the island.
Question: What could the marine have possibly said to escape death?