Trial Progress

Reports on the defense challenge to the validity of the tribunal by arguing that Japan did not surrender unconditionally and that therefore, the court lacks the authority to try the 28 accused Japanese war criminals. The argument was presented by lead defense counsel Iichiro Kiyose. Joseph B. Keenan presented numerous counter arguments and Sir William Webb admonished him on his lengthy replies.

Reports on the testimony given by Maj. Gen. Ryukichi Tanaka where he stated that "he made a vigorous effort during 1944 to induce Gen. Kasushige Ugaki to head a movement to obtain control of the Japanese Government and end the war." Also refers to Tanaka's first attempt to overthrow the Tojo government. Other topics discussed include Okawa's actions in Manchuria, the Kwantung Army, and guidelines from Sir William Webb on the types of arguments that would be admissible before the tribunal.

Reports on the Soviet-Mongolian Protocol that was revealed in court in which "as early as November, 1934, the Soviet Union and the Mongolian Peoples' Republic had a 'gentleman's agreement' for mutual military aid supposedly to counter-act Japanese expansion in the Republic." Excerpts from the secret agreements were read into evidence. Brief news wire service reports alert readers that Martin Bormann, "Hitler's missing deputy part leader, was seen in Munich only a week ago and that a house to house search for him is going on." Also gives an update on the Nuremberg trials where assistant prosecutor Charles Dubost presented the closing argument for France and joined Great Britain in calling for the death penalty for the top Nazis on trial.

Reports on the press and public's responses to the indictments presented by the prosecution before the tribunal on the previous Monday. States that the Japanese press were generally satisfied with the indictment while the American press felt that the list of suspects should be larger and include Hirohito. Quotes various individuals and their responses to the charges. Also reports that Dr. Tadashi Hanai, Japanese defense lawyer for Tojo, "condemned the Yamashita and Homma trials as 'not proper' because of the lack of good interpreters and competent Japanese lawyers." He further expressed his fears that the International Military Tribunal for the Far East would suffer from similar problems.

Reports on the reading of the 55-count indictment against the 28 accused Japanese war criminals. The tribunal ruled that the defense had until Monday to secure and present to the court the individual attorneys assigned to each of the defendants. Also reports on the evaluations Shumei Okawa would undergo to determine his mental state. Questions over the tribunal's jurisdiction were also discussed.