Trial Progress

Reports on the defense argument, offered by Major Ben Bruce Blakeney, that "all killing by victors would be lawful, while all killing by losers would be murder." Also reports on the defense statements proffered by George A. Furness.

Reports on Dr. Shumei Okawa's "malaria" treatments and the fact that his attending doctor predicts he will not be able to "return to the court to defend himself." As Dr. Nishimaru stated "[Okawa's] memory is still good but as far as his facts and imagination are concerned they are all mixed up."

Reports on the addition of Eugene Williams (head of the United States Department of Justice, lands division) as a special prosecutor to the IMTFE. Another news wire piece reports that Japanese Lt. Gen. Takeshi Kono will be tried in Manila "on April 15 on charges that he condoned the beheading and burning of 17 United States citizens on Panay island."

Reports on the testimony of Chinese General Chin Teh-chun, "former Peiping mayor and vice-commander of the Chinese 29th Army," including the fact that he was apparently unable to "substantiate his previous accusation that the defendant, Gen. Kenji Doihara, was instigator of the Mukden incident." Focuses on the cross-examination the defense attorney's gave to Teh-chun. An interesting excerpt includes "Former Premier Hideki Tojo enjoyed the morning session, smiling broadly on hearing the questions of Chinese distinity that were put to the Chinese witness." Also reports that Joseph B. Keenan returned to the IPS after his travel related to the war crimes trial.

Reports on the recess of the IMTFE as a result of the lack of an adequate cooling system for the courtroom. The intense heat conditions caused some members to fear adverse health side effects if they continued to meet during the hottest weeks of the summer. The trial is set to resume on Monday. Also reports on Webb's reminder to "the defense that the Tokyo Tribunal is not going to follow the rules set by the Nuremberg Tribunal." William Logan, defense counsel for Sadao Araki, had made a request that the Nuremberg rules be allowed "regarding the prosecution's presentation of an interrogation statement" by Araki. The prosecution presented the previous day on the Manchurian Incident with documents entered into evidence by Elton M. Hyder, Walter I. MacKenzie, and Mrs. Grace K. Llewellyn.