Telecon – 5 June 1946 – Page 2 TOKYO 5. Cont’d: In the preparation of war crimes trials and to act as witnesses. To utilize their services to the fullest extent, it will be necessary to have statements from all former prisoners of war from whom some statement has not already been received. It is desirable that war crimes activities be completed as expeditiously as possible. It has been evident here for some time that some plan should be devised whereby the necessary complete coverage of former American prisoners of war be had in the shortest time possible. After a thorough study of the problem, it is recommended that eight officers from this Section be returned to the United States for the purpose of guiding the plan for such complete coverage. The men, who would be sent, will be chosen because they have been with the war crimes program in the Pacific area for the longest time of all the officers now connected with it, with the exception, of course, of Colonel Carpenter. These men are thoroughly versed in the requirements and are thoroughly competent to accomplish the mission. The officers, who would be sent, are subject to discharge under the readjustment regulations prior to 31 August 46. One has 41 months of service, two have 40 months; two have 38 months. And the others have 34, 32, 29, and 28 months, respectively. The work contemplated would require the officers to postpone their discharge beyond the point to which time they would be eligible for discharge if they remain in Japan. They have expressed a willingness to exceed to such postponement provided it does not extend beyond 31 August. It is believed that if the work can be started immediately, the mission can be accomplished by that time. All of the officers referred to will be affected by the T/C requirements of the Legal Section as of 1 July. At that time, Legal Section will be allowed only 38 officers. All of the officers in excess of that number will be certified as available for other assignment. As a natural consequence of the suggested officers being eligible for discharge not later than 31 August, all of them will be included in the list of officers, who will be so available. Therefore, their work on war crimes in the United States will not affect the operation of the Tokyo office and will insure the services of the best trained men in a work which is vitally necessary. Briefly, the plan of operation is as follows: The former American prisoners of war, from whom affidavits will be obtained, will be divided into two groups: Civilians and Military. The facilities of Military unites will be utilized in obtaining the affidavits from those persons still in the service. The affidavits of those who are now civilians would be obtained with the assistance of veterans organizations, such as, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, and such other newly organized veterans groups that are sufficiently well