AtoM
David Conde fonds
International Military Tribunal for the Far East
Trial transcripts
Conde, David W.
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7 MARCH 1947 I N D E X Of WITNESSES Defense' Witnesses Page YAMAMOTO, Kumaichi (resumed) 17924 Direct by Mr. Roberts (cont'd) 17924 Cross by Mr. Comyns Carr 17929 MORNING RECESS 1794 5 NOON RECESS 17963 AFTERNOON RECESS 17988 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,923 Friday, 7 March 194-7 INTERNATIONAL MILITARY TRIBUNAL FOR THE FAR EAST Court FiCiuse of the Tribunal "Jar Ministry Building Tokyo, Japan The Tribunal met, pursuant to adjournment, at 0930. Appearances: For the Tribunal, same as before. For the Prosecution Section, same as before. For the Defense Section, same as before. (English to Japanese and Japanese to English interpretation was made by the Language Section, IMTFE.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,924 YAMAM0T0 DIRECT MARSHAL OF THE COURT: The International Military Tribunal for the 7ar East is now in session. THE PRESIDENT: All the accused are present except OKAWA, KAYA and TOJO, who are represented by their respective counsel. VTe have certificates from the medical superintendent of Sugamo Prison certifying that the accused KAYA and TOJO are ill and unable to attend tbe trial today. The certificates will be recorded and filed. Mr. Roberts. K U M A I C H I Y A M A M 0 T 0, called as a witness on behalf of the defense, resumed the stand and testified through Japanese interpreters as follows: DIRECT EXAMINATION BY MR. ROBERTS (Continued): Q Mr. YAMAMOTO, are you familiar with the principle "or the establishment of a Greater East Asia? A Yes, I do. Q T":,rhen was that first used and by whom? A I think it was on November 3? 1938 when Prince KONOYE, Prime Minister, used the word in a government statement '-ith reference to the establish- ment of a new order in Greater East Asia. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,925 YAMAM0T0 DIRECT 1 0 Was this statement widely discussed and read "by the Japanese people at that time? A I think the statement was widely read "by the Japanese and widely discussed by the people. Q What was the general interpretation of that statement? MR. Coras CARR: I object, your Honor. The statement speaks for itself and the witness, in my submission, cannot be asked what other people thought it meant. THE PRESIDENT: Is that statement in evidence already? ME. ROBERTS: We submit, if the Tribunal please, that the interpretation placed upon it by the prosecution as being evidence of a conspiracy to dominate the East Asia and take control was not the proper interpretation. We want to show what it was. MR. COOTS CARR: The defense can argue that from the document Itself, your Honor, but in my submis- sion they cannot ask this witness. THE PRESIDENT: It is for the court to construe a document subject to receiving evidence on any special terms that call for elucidation by evidence. The English authority for that is Bowes v. Shand. Nevertheless, my colleagues might take a different view. They might 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YA AM0T0 DIRECT 17,926 think that the terms in a document, of this importance should be the subject of evidence and I will take their opinion. The objection is upheld. Q What v;as your understanding of the meaning of that statement, Mr. YAMAMOTO? THE PRESIDENT: Do not answer. I upheld the objection and that is a contravention. MR. ROBERTS: I referred before to the opinion of the Japanese people, that is, the under- standing of the Japanese people as he understood it, not his own opinion. THE PRESIDENT: How can he give evidence of the opinion of the Japanese people? Q When did the expression "Co-Prosperity Sphere" come into use, Mr. YAMAMOTO? A I recall that on August 1, 1940, the second KOITOYE cabinet publicly announced its basic national policy and on that, very day, as I recall, the Foreign Minister MATSUOKA, at a press conference, first used the words "Co-Prosperity — Greater "ast Asia Co- Prosperity Sphere." Q lyhat was the history and development of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere? A It is a very difficult problem. I do not 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,927 YAMAM0T0 DIRECT know of it in all its details; however, after the outbreak of the China Incident, the feeling arose as to how to bring about a peaceful settlement of this unfortunate and regrettable conflict with the neighbor- ing state, China, and it was out of such feelings and sentiments that this idea grew up and was advocated. Of that I am positive. i 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAIIAI.-OTO DIRECT 17,928 Q Can the formation and development of the Co-Prosperity Sphere be attributed to any individual or group? A In my consideration it had no connection whatsoever. Q Can you cite any similar idea in order to help clarify the meaning and intention of the formation of the Co-Prosperity Sphere? A My idea of the Greater East Asia Co- Prosperity Sphere, which I have entertained from the beginning and even today, is that nations and peoples should in mutual trust and in mutual help endeavor to promote their general prosperity, and that in so far as this area of the world is con- cerned it was Japan's idea that such a principle should be disseminated and such relationship established with nearby land's, neighboring states, and in principle and in spirit I would say that jt is similar to the Pan-American principle. HR. ROBERTS (To defense counsel): Does any American counsel wish to examine the witness at this time? (No response) (To prosecution counsel) You may examine. THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Conyns Carr. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 IS 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,929 YAMAMOTO CROSi- CROSS IINATI ON BY MR. COI.YNS CARR: Q Mr. YAIX.OTO, do I understand you to tell us that all the countries which were represented at this Greater East Asia Conference were free and independent? A Considering the circumstances before, during and after the Greater East Asia Conference, those nations which were represented at this assembly all attended in a free spirit and out of their own desire. Q "ere each of then at tho time occupied by a Japanese Army? A Not all of these countries were occupied. Q r,rhich was not? A ilanchukuo nd Thailand were not occupied in that sense of the tern. Q There were Japanese Armies in each of them, were there not? A Yes, it is a fact that Japanese Armies were garrisoned there. Q ,rere any of them governed by governnufnts elected by the people of the country? A Thailand, of course, had a government which expressed and represented the will of the people. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAIOUOTO CROSS 17,930 Q Any other? A Are you specking of each and all the countries who were represented at this assembly of Greater East Asiatic nations? Q I am asking you whether any r-ne of then except Thailand had a government which was appointed by the people of the country? A Manchuria had a government which duly expressed the will of the people, end China at that time also had a government wl-ich was appointed by the will of the people. Q Fhen you speak of China you don't mean the Chiang Kai-shek government, do you? A I am speaking of the government at Nanking inasmuch as Japan at that time had recognized the government at Nanking as the govern- ment of nationalist China. Q Japan had not. only recognized it; she had created it, hadn't she? A It is my belief that the Japanese Govern- ment assisted in the establishment of that government in accordance with the desire and aspirations of the people of China, Q Japan had also created the government of Manchukuo, hadn't she? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ie li 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,931 YAMAMOTO CROSi- A I am not familiar with the details at that time. Q Do you suggest that either of those two governments was independent of Japan? A I say that they were independent of Japan. Q On the 4th of December, 1941, you were the head of the Asiatic and American Bureaus in the Foreign Ministry, weren't you? A Yes. MR. COMYNS CARR: Now, may he look at exhibit 1214, if ho might have the Japanese copy, please? THE MONITOR: Mr. Conyns Carr, this is the Language Section. Have you got the prosecution document number of that exhibit? m . COMYNS CARRs 2593-D is the prosecution document number. THE MONITORS Thank you, sir. MR. COMYNS CARR; Exhibit No. 1214. Let him see the Japanese of that. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAI/AM0TP CROSS 17,932 C, Now, Mr. YAIuJiOTO, this is ihe copy of the telegram which the Japanese Foreign Office sent to their representative at Hsingking on the 4th of December, 1941. (Reading): "en the fourth, in a joint conference with the Government Control Board, we decided upon steps which we will have Manchukuo take in case the international situation turns critical." Ycur Honor, perhaps we would get en more quickly if the Language Section might have the Japanese. Then the witness would hear it read in Japanese. It could be handed to the Language Section. It would probably be quicker. THE MONITOR: Mr. Comyns Carr, we do have the Japanese copy, sir. THE PRESIDENT: You would have to put it to him in English, and they would give a simultaneous translation in Japanese and he would answer. That is your proposal. MR. COMYNS CARR: We are trying to work out a system which would work quickly in these cases, and I suggest that for trial as probably the best one. THE PRESIDENT: I see no objection. MR. COMYNS CARR: May the document be taken YAMAMCTO CROSS 17,933 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 from the witness and given to the Language Section who will read it simultaneously as I read it. THE MCI I TCP.: Mr. Comyns Carr, we have the document. MI . CLMYNS C.. 1R: They have it, your Honer. Can I read straight ahead then? THE IOITOR: Yes, sir. My. COMYNS CARR: I will begin again. (Reading); "Re my #892." THE MONITOR: Mr. Comyns Carr, the Language Section suggests that it be relayed instead of given simultaneously because there would have to be switching of the IBM and the possibility that the witness might net hear all cf it nor other Japanese counsel and others. MR. COMYNS CARR: If you please. 17 THE PRESIDENT: Try it, Please, is MR. CCLYNS CARR (Reading): "On the fourth, 19 in a ^oint conference with the Government Control 20 Eoard, we decided upen steps which we will have . 21 Mancbukuo take in case the international situation 22 turns critical. Differing from what I said in my 23 #873 our policy was changed as follows: 24 "When the Japanese Emnire commences hostilities, for the time being Manchukuo will not participate. 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,934 'AKAMOTC CROSS Because Manchukuo is closely bound up with the Japanese Empire and because England and the United States and the Netherlands have not recognized the Government of Manchukuo as a matter of fact, Hsinking will regard those three nations as de facto enemies and treat them accordingly. "Wherever 'England and the United States' and 'English and Americans' occur in the text, we changed them to 'England, the United States, and the Netherlands' and 'English, Americans and Netherlandors.'" Q In the face of that, Mr. YAMAMOTO, do you still say that Manchukuo was independent of Japan? MRo EGBERTS: I object on the grounds there is no evidence that this witness participated in these proceedings or that he was or the Government Control Board at that time and upon the further ground that it asks for an opinion of the witness, THE PRESIDENT: This is directed to his credi- bility or. the question of independence Df these countries. This is an official Japanese statement and he is sneaking now from his knowledge as a Japanese official at the time. He is asked to reconcile his views with his country's and the question is admissible. The objection is overruled. A Even if I am shown this document, or this 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAM0T0 CROSS 17, document is read to me, my idea that Manchukuc was an independent state does not change. Q Does an independent state in your experience as a foreign ministry official usually have orders given to it by another state? MR. ROBERTS: I cbject to this question as being purely argumentative, if the Tribunal please. THE PRESIDINT: I think, myself, that it is comriert really. I think it is, as the defense counsel suggests, argumentative, but my colleagues, however, have a different view so we will nut the question. Let him answer. A :.t that time there was a treaty existing between Japan and Manchukuo and, according to one of the provisions of the treaty, Manchukuo was to consult with Japan on all questions relating to diplomacy; and I say that Japan acted in accordance with her treaty relations with Manchukuo. MR. COMYNS CiJiR: Now may he have exhibit 1209, prosecution's document, also part of 2593-D, Part 38 this is. This is a circular sent cut from Tokyo Foreign Ministry on the 7th of December, 194-1. THE Ml MITOR: Mr. Comyns Carr, what is the prosecution document number, 2593-B or D? MR. COMYNS CARR: D. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 * 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,936 YAMAMOTO CROSi- THE MONITOR: A-B-C-D. ME. CCMYNS CARR: Part 38. Tff" MCI-ITCR: We have it, sir. MB. COMYNS CARR: I am reading from the second page. (Reading): "Upon declaration of war by- Japan, the Ranking government will not be directed to participate in war but will be directed to maintain close relations and absolute cooperation with Japan. "In maintaining close relations with our courtry the Nanking Government will be directed and guided in strengthening its morale and organization so that it may help alleviate Japan's burden in par- ticipating in a protracted world war." { Do you still say that the Nanking Government in China was independent of Japan? A Before replying, I should like to know where this document was obtained. I shuld like to know its source, and also I should, first of all, like to ascertain whether the language used in this document is identical with the actual telegram that was sent. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOT© J;R«33 17,937 Q You are no longer an official in the Foreign Ministry, Mr. YAMAMOT3, are you? A At the present time, not an official. Q Npw, then, I want to ask you this question, and I am referring, for the information of the Tri- bunal, to exhibit 1271, page 2. Do you remember the accused TOJO ana TOGO making speeches in the Diet on the 22nd of January, 1942? A Yes, I r ecall. Q Now, I am reading to you from a summary of those speeches prepared by the German Embassador in Tokyo and sent to his government. TItE MONITOR? Mr. Comyns Carr, will you give us the prosecution number, please? MR. COMYNS CARR: 4076A. THE MONITOR: Thank you, sir. MR. COMYNS CARR: I shall read beginning at the lower part of page 1 and the upper part of page 2, and then I propose to ask the witness whether that represented the policy of Japan towards the countries of what they called the "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere." "Building up of East Asia, "1) Japan, Manchukuo, and Nanking-China shall ferm the inner core of the new organization. 1 2 3 4 5 <o 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAM0T0 £ROSS 17,938 Thailand and Indo-China, who cooperate with Japan out of their own free will, will be included. The other areas of the new great sphere shall crystallize under various forms of government around this core. The active support of allied Thailand was thought to be especially hearty by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, though her claims for a revision were not mentioned. "2) The remaining countries of greater East Asia shall fall Into three categories: "a) Previous bulwarks of British imperial- ism which served to suppress and rule East Asia, namely Hong Kong and the Malay Peninsula, '̂ his area must be transformed into a bulwark for the protection of Greater East Asia and must, therefore, be placed under the immediate control of Jaoan. This principle found a practical application In General ISOGAI's appoint- ment as Governor General of HongKong, as reported from another quarter. "b) Areas, whose independence shall be pre- served if they loyally collaborate with Japan: The Philippines and Burma. According to what the Military Attache confidentially learned from the Army, their independence shall be formed according to Manohukuo's pattern. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAM/MOT0 CROSS 17,939 "c) Areas which are to be conquered by force of arms if they persist in resisting Japan: Nether- lands Indies, Australia, and Chungking China." BY 1 . COMYNS CARR (Continued) : Q Does that fairly represent the policy of Japan toward the countries in Greater East Asia? MR. ROBERTS: I object, if the Tribunal please, on the ground it calls merely for an opinion of this witness. THE PRESIDENT: That is directed tocredi- bility, I take it. It is covered by the other de- • cisions. MR. BROOKS: I would like to object to the form of the question unless it shows the date and what time. I think the question is very misleading. MR. COMYNS CARR: I have already given the date as January, 1942, your Honor. THE PRESIDENT: Answer the question. A I recall that addresses were made at the Diet at that time, but I do net recall or remember the speeches themselves, that is, the contents of the speeches. Q I am not asking you about the contents of the speeches. I am asking you whether that is a fair summary of the policy being pursued bv Japan at that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSS 17,9*0 time when you held important positions in.the Foreign Ministry. A Were the contents which you just queted to me taken from a telegram drafted by the German Am- bassador? Q Yes. A I cannot express my opinions on a document over which I have ne positive knowledge. Q Don't you know what was the policy of Japan towards Greater East Asia in January of 194-2? A The principle for the- establishment of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere is as I have already mentioned previously, and I still hold to that idea. Q Now I will ask you this: When Japan did purport the grounds, what she called "independence," to Burma and the Philippines, was it on the Manchukuo model? MR. LOGAN: I object to the form of that question, if your Honor please, as to what they pur- ported to do. MR. ROBERTS: I further object en the ground that, it calls for purely an opinion of the witness. YAMAMCTO CROSS 17,941 M o r s e & w 0 1 f l 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 LO 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 TPS PRESIDENT: "*e will hear only one counsel on each objection. J see no objection to the use of the word "purported." Mr. Comvns Carr is not bound to accept it as a fact. The objection is overruled. MR. ROBERTS: I object further upon the ground that it is outside the scope of the examination, the examination' in chief being confined to the Greater East Asia Conference in 1943. THE PRESIDENT: This is directed to the genuine- ness of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere as well as to the credibility of the witness. The objection is overruled. BY MR. COIYNS CARR (Continued): o 'That do you say In answer to the question, Mr. YAT'/J'OTO? A The question of Burmese and Philippine independ- ence came after the independence of Manchuria and after the development of the idea of the new order in East Asia. Hence, the conditions and circumstances surround- ing the independence of Burma and the Philippines were different from the conditions prevailing at the time of Manchurian independence. The independence to Burma and the Philippines developed out of the newer concept of the new — the Greater East Asia New Order. o -"ould you say they had more independence than 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,942 Manchukuo or less? A It seems that the discussion is now centering around the essence of independence. ,,7ith respect to the independence of states there are various differences- according to various interpretations of international lav/. In the case of Burmese and Philippine independence, one must say that it would be almost natural that there would be some restraint, some restrictions on its independence at the outset because of the conditions prevailing at the time that it is established as an independent state. 0 Tere there more restrictions or less than in the case of Manchukuo? A I think in some respects they enjoyed a wider area of freedom, but inasmuch as wo were then in the midst of war, greater restrictions than were applied in Ma: were applied in the case of the Philippines and Burma. 0 Nov/, do you suggest that that was only because the war was in progress? A Yes, I gave that as one illustration. 0 At the time when the telegram was sent to Manchukuo, which I read, in December 1941, Manchukuo had already been in existence for 9 years, had it not? A Yes. YA.Jh. 0 70 CROSS 17,943 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 S 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Q How much longer was to pass before it was to get more independence than it had in Deaember 1941? MR. ROBERTA: I object to the form of the question. THE PRESIDENT: The position is covered by earlier decisions this morning. The objection if over- ruled . A As to how many vears would be necessary before the attainment of complete freedom and independence, that would depend upon the development of the situ- ation or development of various conditions. But Japan was firec with the desire to cooperate in the realization) 1 of complete freedom and independence at the earliest possible moment. •v Now, vcu told me, I think -- or I better ask you: do you sav that these countries had a freedom of action of a democratic kind? MR. ROBERT!-: I don't believe the witness made such a characterization. Object to the question on that ground. MR. COMYNi- CARR: Your Honor, the witness has i said that the individuals who attended this Greater East Psia Conference represented their countries and I am seeking to find out what basis he had for that statement. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROT-IR- 17, MR. BDBER>: But hr certainly didn't characterize those countries as being democratic in form, nor does it indicate that democracy is the onlv form of an independent state, THE PRE.-1 DENT: No, he did not, certainly. You could have a country which is a dictatorship could be represented. Nevertheless, Mr. Carr's position!, I take it, was to endeavor to get the witness to say whether or not the people of those countries were supporting this proposal. Q Mr. YAMAMOTO, vou understand I have finished with the question of whether the countries were independent and I am now dealing with the question of whether these individuals had arv right to speak for them. Now, let me put it to you this way: What right do you say that Mr. Ba-Lo had to speak for the people o^ Burma? A Ba-Mo was the head of state of Burma and in ! that capacity he represented the state of Burma at the assembly. Q Who made him the head of state? A I don't recall now just how — what the government organisation and set up was at that time, but tNe people of Burma had been burning with the desire for national independence for many years. It 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YA1IAJ10T0 (HCIRR 17, was at such a tlrrc that Burma finallv realized its independence and as Ba~!ro was th^n the chief of the government I am positive that he represented the desires arid thr- will of the people of Burma. THE PRESIDENT: We will recess for fifteen minutes. (I/Thereupon, at 1045, a recess was > taken until 1100, after which the proceedings were resumed as follows:) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,946 MARSHALL OF THE COURT: The International Military Tribunal for the Far East is now resumed. THE PRESIDENT; Mr. Comyns Carr. BY MR. COEYNS CARR: (Continued): Q Mr. Yamamoto, did you assist in drawing up the Constitution for Burma? A I had no connection with the drafting of •the Burmese Constitution. Q Do you know that it provided that Dr. Ba-Mo shall be dictator in Burma? MR. ROBERTS: The witness has just testi- fied he had no connection with the Constitution. I obj.. ct to the question on that ground. THE PRESIDENT: Still he can know its con- tents. Objection overruled, A Yes. I now recall, after hearing your words on the subject. Q Now, you told us in your examination-in- chief that before this conference Dr. Ba-Mo complained at great length about the actions of the Japanese Army in Burma. That did he complain about? A Dr. Ba-Mo complained with regard to the undue and great interference of the Japanese Arry authorities in the field, that is, in Burma. Q Did he, for instance, complain that the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,947 YAMAMOTO CROSi- Japanese Army and the Japanese Monopoly Company were devastating the state forests in Burma? MR. ROBERTSi I object to the form of the question. THE PRESIDENT: There is nothing wrong with the form of it. The relevancy is the only question and just relevancy. MR. ROBERTS: He is suggesting the answer that he wants to try to nut in the mouth of the witness, THE PRESIDENT: The cross-examiner that does .not load is not worth his salt, MR, ROBERTS: I am taking the point of view of its heing argumentative, THE PRESIDENT: That is not argumentative, if I understand the position. A I think there were complaints to such an effect, hut Burma then was not independent. Q Did he complain that Inhabitants of Burma wore being forced to go and work on the Burma-Siam Railway? A No, I did not hear anything of that kind. Q Did he say anything about labor on the Burma-Siam Railway? A I do not recall. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 4 17,948 Q Do you not recall any other subject about rhich he complained? A At that time Dr. Ba-Mo was given certain authority, and this was supported by the Japanese on the spot. It seems as if Dr. Ba-Mo was quite irritated by the interference in his administration of state affairs within the scope of the authority that had been given him to administer the country. Q Did his complaints continue after the so- called independence of Burma? A It was a Japanese policy and aim to let Dr. Ba-Mo complain even after the independence of Burma, and I think that he did complain on certain matters after the independence of that country. Q Did he complain that, although his govern- ment was supposed to be independent, it was com- pelled to carry out the orders of the Japanese Army? A Yes, he has frequently made complaints to such an effect. However, very intense warfare was then going on, and by the very necessity of the circumstances a certain amount of restrictions had to be placed from the standpoint of military opera- tions. Q Did he complain then that he was being 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10" 11 12 13 14 i 15 16 17 18 19 20' 21 22 23 24 25 i. —I'.̂.C'j. o CIIOBB 17,949 forced to provide. 1-bor for the ijurcr-ciriu ariluty? A Of course, I i-ecrll Ui-t h. w s very much delighted over the establishment of trr.fiic between Ihrilrnd rnd ~urmr rfter the independence of i;urmr, but I oo not rt.crll ~ny instance of his complrin- ing with regard to forced 1-bor. Q Do you know thrt there :,rs r great ueal of forced lrborV i-xx. u ^ ^ i L : If the Tribunal plerse, I object on tho ground th't I believe it is beyond the scope of his exrminrtion. riiuclJLiMl; The question before us is the genuineness of the Greater j-rst ̂ sia Co- Prosperity Sphere. This n.rn is here to support it. This cross-e: rminrtion suggests it vrs r shrm be- cause no prosperity v/.-s involved for the satellites or their people. The cross-exrminrtion is within the scope of the examinrtion-in-chicf. I do hope you will not object so much. lo repeat objections which h-ve already been overruled is vesting time. The objection is overruled. Answer the question. h. As I have srid before, we have, in accord- ance with the f'undrmcnt-1 principle of the idcr of the r.ew Order in Last /.sir, formulated various plans rnd ne-sures for the people — for the n-tions and 17,950 Y.-^-0I0 CNOSS peoples in this rrc. In order to prosecutc w r , measures ust te taken in all fields oi the wr r effort. And, of course, v;o recognized the neces- sity of labor as an essential element in thrt effort, but at no time have I ever heard of the idea of forced or compelled lrbor. Q ow, in addition to the Forest monopoly Company — Japanese i onopoly Company which you tola me Ba-iio complained of, did he rlso com lain thrt Jr.rnese companies were being given monopolies in other branches of industry and rgriculture in ^urma* k l\o, I do not recall * \ uo you know that it was a fret? t. I object to the manner in which the word "monopoly" was just used and interpreted. I think the true meaning of the word "monopoly" rs used was how to develop these industrial rnd agricultural resources so rs to mrke most effective the :rosecu- « tion of war and, at the same tims, be to the. good rnd to the advantage and well being of the people of Burma5 rnd many instances in which monopoly has been the form used in order to promote the maximum happi- ness of the people of the country. Q Do you know thrt the inhabitants of -urr, for instance, were compelled to hrnd over their 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Id 11 12 13 14 15 X 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAWikGi'O ChOSo 17,9 sug-T to one Japanese company? A I do not recrll such a fret. Q .rs there not established c Japanese sugar company \ hich took over the control of sugar production in all the occupied areas? A I think there was such r fact, but at that time it was by the use ol such rethods that the best interests of the Burmese people ?,ould be promoted, and we carried out our policy with the Idea in mind to hrnd over these industries little by little into the hands ol the people of' Burma. Q ..ere not the inhabitants of .ourma, the producers in ournr, compelled to sell their sugar to that company at that company's price? A .ell, I hesitate to state my views on the details of small developments within Burma. Q Do you know th-t if they refused they were beaten rnd ill treated? 1 do not know these specific facts. You were the vice-minister for Greater East xisia, re re you not? A Yes, I was. Q Do you regard these matters 1 nave been asking you about as small details? i'Ki_ r̂ Li-Ii/LAl: Captain crooks. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Y.^^CTO CNGSB 17,952 Ah. BiiOCAS: I would like tc object to that question. The v itness has not contended that they weie small details. 1 would also like to add that I think that this ;art is going a little further thrn the independence movement the Court hrs discussed. I think it is outside the scope of the direct examination. THx. rx'iLiIDAr.i: The suggestion is thrt he, as Vice-minister, should know those things, and he said he didn't know details — those details. De- tails and small things are some times synonyms. The objection is overruled. A There was something scid about small de- tails. But what I meant to say was, I do not re- member small details, not small things. \ ftow I am asking you whether you regrrd the matters vfhich I hrve asked you about, ^nd which you say you diem't know, as being small details, i'iij- raAo 1: La j or F urne s s. juii. i-u'xiALob: If the Court please, it seems to me most unfair to this witness to ask him if he knows certain things — he says he does not -- and then to rsk him if he regards them as small details. It is assuming a. fact not in evidence. It is puiely and plainly improper, it seems to me. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 Y^JUAOTO CXXOIB TEii : .e must have regard to the direction of the cross-examination. He said they were small details. He was reminded he \.as vice- Minister for this Greater Last ^sia Co-rrosperity Ministry, and he is asked then whether, in th«.t position, he voulo. not necessarily know those thing i'tiv .uo: It is assuming th^t there has been proof of them. Ihiu J. : Ihis goes sharply to credi- bility. Here is a Vice-minister saying he didn't know such things as ...r, Carr put to him which he describes as "small details" now. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSS 17,954 MR. COMYNS C±iRR: That concludes what I \ wanted to ask about Burma, your Honor. The logical thing would be to take the Philippines next. Your Honor, I am not very fully acquainted with the facts about the Philippines, and I was going to ask whether the Tribunal would permit my friend, Mr. Lopez, to put some supplementary ques- tions on that subject after I have finished. If the Tribunal does not approve of that, then I must deal with it the best I can now. THE PRESIDENT: Only one counsel should cross- examine . ME. LOGANS If the Tribunal please, the defense has no objection. THE PRESIDENT: There is no objection? MR. LOGAN: No. As a matter of fact, your Honor, we expect to ask for that same privilege ourselves. THE PRESIDENT: Then he may. MR. COMYNS CARR: In that case I will omit the Philippines from my questions. THE PRESIDENT: Well, the Court insists on only one counsel cross-examining for the prosecution. MR. COMYNS CARR: In that case I must do my best, your Honor. Q Mr. YAMAMOTO, the person who was called 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YIILLAILOTO CEOSS 17,955 President of the Philippines was a Dr. Laurel, was ho not? A Yes, Dr. Laurel. Q Before December 194-1 was there in existence a democratic government in the Philippines? A Before 1941 did you say? Q Yes. A I think the Philippines at that time was a part flsf the United States. Q What I was asking was whether there was not a democratic government in the Philippines which was — well, first of all, whether there- was not a democratic government in the Philippines? a I should think I am not in a position to testify on such a matter. THE PRESIDENT: You kn->w there was a parlia- mentary government there, I suppose? THE WITNESS: I do. Q Was Dr. Laurel'-or any of those associated with him in the government setup during the war which you call an independent government, had any of them any authority from the parliamentary government of the Philippines? A The purpose of that question is not very clear to me. However, I cannot understand from what YAM^LOTO CHOSS 17,956 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 authority is given for any movement or any desire for a people to seek independence. Q Do you not know that as long ago as 1936 the independence «f the Philippines had been arranged by the United States to come into force in 194-6 on the 4th of July? A I do. Q Do you not know that there was then in 1941 a duly elected Philippine Congress? A Are you referring to the period prior to the outbreak of war in 1941? Q Yes. A I should think so then. Q Had the government of Dr. Laurel any authority from that congress? What I said with regard to Philippine inde- pendence is after the outbreak of war. 0 Nov; answer the question. A May I have the que.-1ion repeated? Q Had Dr. Laurel sr his government any authority from that Philippine Congress? A What are you referring to when you speak of Dr. Laurel and/or his government? Q Was Dr. Laurel appointed, or were any of the members of his government appointed in response to a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,957 Y^LAMOTO CROSS vote of that congress? k Whet are you referring to? What government are you referring to; the government at what time? Q The government during the war which you speak of as the independent government of the Philip- pines. k During the war the Philippine Islands were occupied by the Japanese army, and during that time the functions of the United States Government in that area had already ceased, and, therefore, the question of who delegates or grants authority does not arise. THE PRESIDENT: Where did Laurel get his authority? THE WITNESS: I believe that Dr. Laurel stood at the head of the Independence movement, incorporated and in accordance with the general consent and desire of the people of the Philippines. Q I have not watched the clock. Can you tell me how long it is that you have been trying to avoid answering my question? (Whereupon, Mr. Roberts approached the lectern.) THE PRESIDE, T: Objection upheld. Q Will you now answer it? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,9 YAMAM0T0 CROSS THE YnITNESS: Mr. President, in the light of the question just now directed to me as witness, I regard myself as being mistrusted — distrusted. Inasmuch as I have taken this witness stand under oath to speak according to my own conscience, I am trying my best to understand the questions that are being asked me. THE PRESIDENT: There is no need for that homily. Just answer the questions. THE WITNESS: May I have that question repeated, sir? • Q Had the government which was established of Dr. Laurel during the war any authority from the con- ; gress, elected congress of the Philippines? A I do not know with respect to that point. 17,959 YAMAMCTO CROSS l 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Q Lid the Japanese army allow the congress to meet and operate? A It is mv recollection that since the Philippines were occupied by the Japanese army ana a military administration was in existence, the oongress did not meet. Q Lie; not Japan abolish the congress and substi- tute a small commission? A Yes, I do recall something of that nature. I Q Now, you know, !r. YAMAMOTO, if you knew that you coulo have answered yes or no a quarter of an hour ago to the question whether Dr. Laurel nad any authority! from the congress. Plense answer it ves or no now. A I do not know. Q What was Lr. Laurel at the time when the Japanese first came into the Philippines? "/hat was his position in the Philippines? A I go not know. v, C Do you know whether he helc any position under the congress? A Regarding that, I do not have any definite recollection, but I have heard that he was a judge or something to that effect. C, As Vice-Minister for Greater East Asia, &o not you know who appointed Lr. Laurel to be president? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,960 A I oo not know concretely as to who appointed him president. Q Did not the Japanese army select him as the person to be president? A Well, at any rate, beft*re the independence of the Philippines, a Preparatory Commission was created, composed of the Tucople of the Philippines* This com- mission, incorporating the desires and wishes of the people of the Philippines, nominated Dr. Laurel as president. That is my belief. Q First of all, how many of the people of the Philippines were members of the Preparatory Commission? A I GO not recall any accurate or definite figure but I think it was around twenty. Q And were they nominated bv the Japanese commander-in-chief? A I do not recall that definitely. it If he didn't, who aid? A I think it is only natural that the commander- in-chief of the Japanese army offered his cooperation in assistance in the appointment of these members. Q Now, then, GO you know that Lr. Laurel has, since the war came to an end, been indicted for his- part in those proceedings? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAITAM0T0 C R O S S 17,961 t Do you know that his defense is that he was compelled by the Japanese to do what he die? MR. ROBERTS: I object, if the Tribunal please. Those proceedings are not properly before this court. The man is not presumed guilty until he is convicted. THE PR3SILENT: The majority of the Court think the question should be disallowed. The objection is upheld. Q Is it not the fact that Dr. Laurel and his government were compelled by the Japanese army both to act as such and to carry out the measures which they did carry out? I think I had better reframe that question. I will put it the other way arounc, your Honor. Lo you say that Dr. Laurel and his colleagues in that government were free agents in all that they did? A Yes. Q You co. Did Dr. Laurel make any complaints, as you nave told us Mr. Ba-Mo did, about the conduct of the Japanese army in the Philippines? A When I mace a visit to the Philippine Islands in the course of a trip in 194-3, I did not hear any complaints from him. But I should be very glad to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20' 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,962 give one illustration of his ardent desire for the realization of Philippine indepenoence which he spoke to me about on that occasion. On that occasion there was a meeting between the members of the Independence Preparatory Commission and Prime Minister TOJO and other of us who were in the party. At that time, Laurel, in his opening address to the gathering, said that the people of the Philippines had long desired for the earliest possible realization of their national independence. He said that it was a matter of great joy and happiness to we, the people of the Philippines, to know that that independence is now near at hand. However, Dr. Laurel said that that independence must bo complete. It must not be an independence that comes under another country — of Japan. And he s.trongly emphasized that that independence must be parallel and equal to that of Japan in the equal pursuit of liberty and freedom. In such a manner he represented and reflected the will of the people of the Philippines. Q When what you call "independence" had some into operation, did Dr. Laurel complain, then, of the conduct of the Japanese army? A I do not recall. THE PRESIDENT: We will adjourn until YAMAI GTO CROSS 17,963 half-past one. ('Thereupon, at 1200, a recess was taken.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,964 AFTERNOON SESSION The Tribunal net, pursuant to recess, at 1330. MARSHAL OF THE COURT: The International Military Tribunal for the Far East is now resumed. THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Conyns Carr. K U M A I C H I Y A M A M 0 T 0, called as a witness on behalf of the defense, resumed the stand and testified through Japanese interpreters as follows: CR OSS-EXAMINATION BY IE. COMYNS CARR (Continued): Q Mr. YAMAMOTO, you told us you thought that Laurel's government in the Philippines repre- sented the wishes of the peoplt ! A Yes, I did. Q Is that your view? A Yes. Q Did you ever hear of the resistance move- ment? A Yes, I have received reports on that matter from time to time. Q Now about co-prosperity as shown in the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 LO 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,965 Philippines? A The joint declaration of the Greater East Asiatic nations best expresses the principle w of co-prosperity. The realization of Philippine independence is perhaps the most outstanding example of co-prosperity as realized in the Philippines. Q Well , let us see what it says. Point 4 of the declaration says this, doesn't it? "The countries of Greater East Asia will endeavor to accelerate their economic develop- ment through close cooperation upon a basis of reci- procity and to promote thereby the general prosperity of their region," Have I quoted it rightly? A 1?7ith respect to the passage just read by you, Mr. Prosecutor, may I speak on the basis of my recollections on the subject? Q I have read the actual document which you referred to? THE MONITOR: •'Mr. Prosecutor, Mr. Comyns Carr, since we do not have the document here we just translated the meaning of it. We may not have used the exact wording that was in the Japanese original. Q Do you wa>!: to differ from what was read to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAM0T0 CROSS 17, you? A I merely wish to clarify more fully the meaning in the Japanese original. Q Yes. A The principle underlying that article is the acceleration and promotion of the economic well-beirg of the peoples of Greater East Asia by promoting their economic development on a basis of equality and reciprocity. That, I think, expresses the spirit of that article. Q If you please, did Japan try to promote that in the Philippines by confiscating all the motor vehicles, refrigerators, sewing machines, and stores on which they could lay their hands and shipping them to Japan? THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Logan. MR. LOGAN: If your Honor please, I do not recall any evidence to this effect being in this case, and if the prosecution intends to prove that later I think we should bo advised of it* THE; PRESIDENT: There is no assumption of fact, as far as I can judge, in the form of the question. The learned counsel asks whether Japan attempted to promote these things by doing certain things. There Is no assumption those things were 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAH0T0 CROSS 1 7 , 9 6 8 Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, and it was our policy to refrain from such acts in accordance with the true underlying principle for the establish- ment of such a sphere and to correct, take measures to correct such acts if they occurred. Q Were these goods shipped in large quanti- ties to Japan? A I do not recall anything in concrete details. Q Did you ship them back again? A Regarding that also, I do not have any positive recollection. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,969 YAMAMOTO CROSi- Q Do you know, for instance, that property looted in the Philippines is in Tokyo at this moment? A Not concretely but I imagine that there are some things in Tokyo. 0 Did Dr. Laurel make any complaints about this to you or to the accused TOJO? A My stay in the Philippines being only one day, such matters are not in my recollection at all. Q Did he complain about them at any other time? A I have learned from reports which were sent to my department from time to time of the various desires entertained by the authorities of the Philippine government. Q Did they include a desire on this subject? A I think they were included. 0 Did he also complain that the Japanese had confiscated every important commercial enterprise belonging to the Filipinos and given it to Japanese companies? A I think such incidents occurred at the time of the occupation of the Philippines out of the neces- sity of military operations. However, such acts were corrected as they occurred and in accordance with our fundamental policy, everything was done as much as possible in order to return these facilities .to the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO C R O S S 17, Philippine government and in pursuit of that same policy we steadily carried out that policy. Q Did this include handing over the mines and forests to Japanese exploitation? A At first they were included but they were taken only as a'temporary measure. But these were corrected and these facilities were returned to the Filipino government and people as a matter of policy and we endeavored, in fact, to bring about our common prosperity by such measures. Q Can you name a single thing that was ever returned? A I know the general 'act that these things were returned to the Philippines but I will refrain from naming anything specific because they are outside of my memory at the present time. Q Can you name a single occasion when comppnsa- I tion was ever paid for any of them? A Are you asking for the fact of a compensation being made? Q Yes. A For instance, there were various establish- ments which were under Japanese supervision, for instance,, sugar and textile mills, but these were gradually returned to the Philippines and I recall that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,971 some o? these facilities were returned to the Philippines. Q Now I am asking you about payment of compen- sation. Was any ever paid? MR. ROBERTS; I want to object to this question because there is no evidence that this man was in a position to know about payment or compensa- tion. THE PRESIDENT: He does not claim ignorance and he was the second man in the ministry concerned, and he didn't say everything was returned leaving nothing to be compensated for. Objection overruled. A Speaking concretely I would not be able to say anything unless it be on another occasion after I have made some study into the matter. Q Is it the fact that every official of the so-called Independent government was appointed by the Japanese army? A It is not a fact. Q Now a question applying not only to the Philippines but to all the territories occupied by Japan during the Pacific war. Did Japan supersede the currency which existed when they invaded each of these territories by a new occupational currency of its own? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,972 A As I recall it, in most cases Japanese mil- itary scrip were used but the currency used prior to the occupation was also in circulation to some extent— were allowed in circulation to some extent. Q Was the new currency that which we have proved was printed in Japan in the early part of 1941? MR. LAZARUS: Objection, Mr. President. There is no evidence here that this witness knows what was proved previously. THE PRESIDENT: If he had said he knew nothing of that we would have been bound by bis answer. He implied that he knew and that the cur- rency T-as used to some extent, and the normal Philip- pine currency to some extent, but he did not give the proportions. Objection overruled. A I do not know whether or not such currency was prepared in the early part of 194-1. Q Now I want to ask you some questions about the countries occupied by Japan which were not repre- sented at the conference. THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Roberts. MR. ROBERTS: I submit, if the Tribunal please, that this is outside the scope of examination. THE PRESIDENT: It bears on this Greater East YAMAMCTO CROSS 17,973 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. He came here to testify about that. The objection is overruled. MR. ROBERTS: Our examination was based on the conference and the Co-Prosperity Sphere was mentioned as one of the ideals and the reason for holding that conference, and certainly reference to countries that were not represented is outside the scope of the conference that we have covered. THE PRESIDENT: I should not allow you to debate our decision. It stands. 1 o L 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSS 17, Q Were the resolutions of the conference intended to apply to them as well? A The Assembly of the Greater East Asiatic Nations was held for the purpose of seeking methods by which the nations and peoples represented at the conference will, by their own free will, be able to establish and promote a sphere of common prosperity. And the declaration so states. Q That is not an answer to the question. A I am not through yet. And there was not one iota of any thinking that this declaration was to be forced upon non-participating countries in the area. Q Were the other occupied territories to have any co-prosperity? A It was Japan's hope to assist and to support the people in these areas to the extent they desired such assistance. Q Why was not Malaya represented at the conference? MR. ROBERTS: I object to the question. THE PRESIDENT; Why, Mr. Roberts? MR. ROBERTS: That may be a matter within the knowledge of Malaya and not within the knowledge of this witness. I YAMAMCTO CROSS 17,975 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ii! 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 THE PRESIDENT: He could say: "Because Malaya was not invited," or "was invited and would not come." I don't know. MR. ROBERTS: In that case it would be outside the scope of the examination as previously covered. THE PRESIDENT: The countries who were sup- posed to be in the sphere are named in that telegram from Japan to Germany. It includes enemy countries not occupied including Australia and New Zealand. They would not be at the conference. But it includes countries occupied by Japan that were not there, and this man should be in a peculiar position to give an explanation; and that is all he is asked to do. MR. ROBERTS: I believe, however, that was a telegram sent by the German Ambassador of which this witness disclaimed any knowledge. THE PRESIDENT: It is evidence upon which he can be cross-examined. He has not defined the area of this sphere as excluding any of those places as far as I am aware. When he does, it will be sufficient time to object to questions like this. A Only countries in Greater East Asia which were at that time independent were invited to attend the Assembly of the Greater East Asiatic Nations. Only as an exception did Dr. Chandra Bose attend the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAM0T0 CROSS 17 conference as an observer representing the Provision Government,-t'f Free India. r " Q Why wasn't Malaya included in the countries granted independence? A It was our aim ultimately to enable these countries to attain independence, but to enable them to dc so actually depended upon developments and the proper time in accordance with the conditions in those countries. At that time the actual con- ditions in Malaya did not permit the granting of independence. Q Had not Japan from the beginning determined to annex Malaya? A Japan had no intention to annex that territory. Q Had not the accused TOJO definitely so stated in his speech in January, 194-2? A I do not recall the contents of that addres Q Now as to Slam and Malaya, dc you know that Japan had mn.de a treaty with ciam on the 18th in August, 194-3, transferring to Siam part of the territory of Malaya? A Japan recognized the transfer of a part of the area in Malaya occupied by Japan to Siam. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAM0T0 CROSS 17, Q A part of Malaya which was occupied by Japanese troops, was it not? A Yes. Q Did you realize that all these changes in the constitutional position of occupied countries were contrary to international law? MR. ROBERTS: I object to the question, if the Tribunal please. THE PRESIDEFT: He is in effect asking his opinion. We uphold the objection. MR. ROBERTS: I did not get -- i THE PRESIDENT: Objection upheld. We do not want his opinion of whether international law was violated or not. YAMAMCTO CROSS 17,978 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. COMYNS CARR; No, your Honor, I wasn't putting it from the point of view of getting his legal opinion, but it is, in my submission, rele- vant to discuss whether they knew they were break- ing the law at the time we say they broke it. THE PRESIDENT: Knowledge of international law is imputed to him. MR. COMYNS CARR: Your Honor, I won't press it. Q Now, with regard to the Netherlands East Indies, why were they not represented ->t the con- ference? A The Netherlands Erst Indies did not send a representative to the Assembly because it had not attained independence — had not completed its in- dependence. MR. COMYNS CARR; I am now going to refer your Honor to prosecution exhibit 1344, prosecution document 2754. That is an official statement of the Japanese Government, entitled "Course of Events Lead- ing Up to the Decisions on Political Control And Reversion of the East Indies in the Second world War." Q Is it the feet that in May 1943 there w»s an Imperial Conference which decided that no inde- pendence should be granted to the Dutch East Indies? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,979 YALAM0T0 CROSS A I don't recall. Q And you were the Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Greater East A sir? A Yes, I was. Q Do you not recall the reasons why no in- dependence was granted to the Dutch East Indies rt that time? A The Japanese Government had after that given — issued an announcement that independence would be granted to the Netherlands East Indies. Q Yes, but will you answer the question be- fore you make other statements, please? A Hence, and let me continue, at that time if such a decision were taken it was, in my consider- ation, that it was too early to grant independence in the light of the conditions prevailing at that time. Q Was the reason given as follows? rnd I am quoting from the document ending with the second paragraph on page 1: "The government at home, too, hrd no al- ternative but the extreme policy of bringing the Dutch Indies under Japan's direct control and check- ing the policy of racial liberation in order to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAkOTO CROSS 17 ,980 secure the resources necessary i'or the execution of the v;rr. tor this reason the Supreme Command emphasized its strong opposition to the independence of the East Indies. THE MONITOR: Just a minute, Mr. Carr. We have to find that place. MR. COMYNS CARR. The last sentence of the second paragraph on page 1. THE MONITOR; Yes, sir. Just a minute, please, until we find it in the Japanese copy. Q Isn't that what happened'. A Before making a reply, ij. Prosecutor, may I ask whose decision this was and what the character of this document is'i I have never seen it before. Q It is a Japanese Government report coming from the archives of the Foreign Office, of which you were rt one time en official. A And that was in 1943? Q Yes. A «t that time I was Vice-Minister of the Ministry for Greater East Asiatic Affairs and I had no direct connection with documents in the Foreign Office; and you use the word "report." from whom fo 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,981 YAMAMOTO CROSi- whom was this report made? Q You aren't here to ask questions but to answer them. A No, I asked this question because 1 wanted to make as clear an answer as possible. THE PRESIDENT: It may refresh his memory to tell him, Mr. Carr. MR. COMYNS CARR: Your Honor, I don't know more than I have told him already. Q The Dutch East Indies was within the juris- diction of your Greater East Asia Ministry, wasn't it? A The Netherlands East Indies at that time was under military administration. The Ministry for Greater East Asiatic Affairs had relations only with independent countries in the area at that time. Q Do you mean, then, it is no use my asking you any further questions about the Netherlands East Indies because you know nothing about them? MR. ROBERTS: I object to the form of the question. THE PRESIDENT: That is n->t the ground. If he had limited the area of his ministry, the scope of his ministry, that might have justified an 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,982 objection; but he has not done so yet. If he says those areas are outside the scheme he came to testify about, it would be all right to object to it. But he hasn't done so„ (To the'witness) Answer the question. A The Ministry for Greater Erst Ksi^tic Affairs did not handle matters relating to the Netherlands East Indies, and I am in no position to testify with respect to reports from that area. BY MR. COMYNS CARR: Q If you were not handling Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies, why did you visit them, as ;ou told us yesterday? A It was necessary for Japanese officials to familiarize themselves with conditions even in areas outside their own jurisdiction. Furthermore, these areas now in question h^d very intimate relationship with the other areas which were within the province of matters handled by the ministry to which I belonged, and I think it was our responsibility in establishing the Co-Prosperity Sphere, both in word and in spirit, to study, observe, and investigate into the conditions in these areas and also to understand the sentiments of the people residing there. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,S£3 Yti a — ? - > G Q Well, then, vou do 'TIOW Tbout them, do you? A Yes, I have a general knowledge of these areas bfit I am not, as T have said before, in a position to testify on specific matters relating to those areas. 0 If independence had been pranted it would have core under the Jurisdiction of vcur ministry I under- stand, is that right? A Aft^r these countries had become independent I would consider it to be natural th'-:t thev would come under this province p nding consultation in the govern- ment. However, assuming that these countries became independent, as far diplomatic relations were con- cerned they would be in the hands of the Foreign Office as I testified here in Court yesterday in the course of direct examination. Q Wasn't your ministry consulted on the Ques- tion of whether thev should receive independence or not? A It is onlv natural that very intimate and close consultation was made vr'th the branch of the government which was concerned with the matters in Jappn. 0 Well, then, you do know, don't vou, why it was not granted? A is I have said before, I think such a policy was taken because it was then at that time too earlv 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAM0T0 CROFCFC 17,984 to grant independence. TEE PRESIDENT: Why was it too earlv? THE WIOTESi-: In the light of world history a nation cannot be made in a day. For instance, the peoplds desires and wishes must be heard in order to organize a government and. trained and organized person- nel is necessary and it is also necessary that the cord1'ti ons surrounding — within the country as well as conditions and circumstances surrounding the country will have to be taken into consideration before independence could be realized. Q Are you prepared to swear tv-at the reason given In this Foreign Office report which I have read to you -"s not the true one? MR. ROBERTA May I call the Tribunal's attention to the fact that this report is dated 1946 and the witness, further, has stated that he is not i -r|J familiar with it. TEE PRESIDENT: He isn't asked whether he is I familiar with it but he is asked whether he agrees with what purports to be in it. He is invited to reconcile his views with those of the Foreign Office, or to show that his are more acceptable. The objec- tion is overruled. MR. ROBERT*-: Mav I show it to the witness 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,985 the original, for the purpose of — MR. COMYNJ- CARR: The witness has the original document. THE PRESIDENT: Well, only if t^ere is any nuestion as to the English translation. Let him have the original if he wants it. r 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,986 0 Continuing to read from the document, the last paragraph on page 1, and the short paragraph the top of page 2: — MR. ROBERTS: I would like to interpose an objection to the further reading of this document because, as I stated, it appears it was filed in 194-6, it doesn't state who wrote it, nor does it show that any official was in accordance with the opinion stated at that time after the war was completed. MR. COMYNS CARR: It is a document prepared by the Japanese Foreign Office, quite true, after the war was completed and it has already been admitted in evidence. It is exhibit 1344. THE PRESIDENT: You are entitled to cross-examine! this witness to show that document should be acted upon by us. He is giving evidence inconsistent with it and Mr. Carr is entitled to cross-examine him to support the prosecution's evidence. MR. ROBERTS: May I respectfully ask that the witness be permitted to examine the original document? MR. COMYNS CARR: I have no objection, your Honor, but I have already asked,that, as a matter of convenience, as it is in the hands of the interpreters up in the gallery, that it be postponed until I have read the other passage from it. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,987 BY MR. COMYNS CARR (Continued): 0 Do you want to look at it, Mr. YAMAMOTO? A Yes, I should like to see it. 0 T*Tiy? MR. ROBERTS: I object to that, if your Honor please, as improper. MR. COMYNS CARR: The witness didn't ask, it was my friend who asked that it be shown to him. In my submission, it is a waste of time although if the witness wants to see it — MR. ROBERTS: It was my impression that the witness did want to see it and I do not think Mr. Carr's comments are necessary. THE PRESIDENT: There is nothing to rule on actually. This is a very important witness, both for the defense and his evidence is of great importance to the prosecution, but that does not warrant all these hopeless objections that we are listening to this after- noon. He need not explain why he wants the original. 0 Mr. YAMAMOTO, now that you have seen it can you answer my question? I had better repeat it: Are you prepared to swear that the reason given in it for not granting independence to the Netherlands East Indies, namely, that it was in order to secure the resources necessary for the execution of the war is not the true 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSS reason? A I think that was one of the reasons given at that time. THE MONITOR: Slight correction: It may have been one of the reasons advocated at that time. A (Continuing) If I am permitted to give my ovm ideas with regard to this question I must say that I for the reasons I have already given, not to give independence because of such reasons would be in con- tradiction of the fundamental policy which was eventually j to give independence. I cannot accept the reasons as .just given to me. THE PRESIDENT: Te will recess for fifteen minutes. ("Thereupon, at 1445 a recess was taken until 1500, after which the proceedings were resumed as follows): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17,989 YAMAMOTO CROSi- MARSHAL OF THE. COURT: The International Military Tribunal for the Far East is now resumed. THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Roberts. MR. ROBERTS: May it please the Tribunal, I am informed that there may be an error .n the trans- lation of the last answer. I would like to have the court reporter reread it and check on its accuracy. THE PRESIDENT: English or the Japanese? MR. ROBERTS: I mean the English translation from Japanese. j (Whereupon, the last answer was read by the official court reporter as fol- lows :) "A I think that was one of the reasons given at that time. "MONITOR: Slight correction: It may have been one of the reasons advocated at that time. "A (Continuing) If I am permitted to give my own ideas with regard to this question I must say that for the reasons I have already given, not to give independence because of such reasons would be in con- tradiction of the fundamental policy which was eventu- ally to give independence. I cannot accept the reasons as just given to me." (Whereupon, the Japanese court 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,990 reporter read from his stenographic notes5 and the interpreter stated as follows:) "If I may be permitted to give that idea on that matter, I must say that the argument at that time did not accept the — such reasons for withholding independence from that country." THE WITNESSi Then I shall try to give my idea on the subject as clearly as nossible, if I may. THE MONITOR: Mr. President and defense counsel: I just made the comment to the witness that his Japanese was not very clear, and we have difficulty in translating it accurately?, that is, we get about the general meaning of it but not quite all of it or to the last detail, and he answered that he will reply again to the same question. Would that be all right? TEE PRESIDENT: Address all your questions to me, none to him. THE, MONITOR; Yes, sir. ME. ROBERTS: May we have the question re- peated for the witness? THE PRESIDENT: I will give you permission to say anything to him that I think is necessary, but you must not communicate directly with him. THE MONITOR; Yes, sir. MR. COMYNS CARR: May we know what is the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSS 17, desired correction? Reading these answers over again is a waste of time unless we know what the desired correction is. THE PRESIDENT: Well, what is the desired correction? MR, ROBERTS s I am informed that the Japanese was in the form of the past tense, and it was really translated in the form of the present tense, THE PRESIDENT: Can't you explain a little more fully? What was it about? MR. ROBERTS: The monitor has stated that the answer was vague, and they had difficulty in- translating it. Perhaps the quickest way would be to ask the question and see if he cannot answer it more clearly. MR. CCMYNS CARR: I submit the quickest and best course is to ask Major Moore to look at the Japan- ese reporter's notes and tell us in the morning what is the correct translation of it, THE PRESIDENT: We must be careful he does not make an unwarranted correction of an answer. We will follow that course, Mr. Carr. The matter is re- ferred to Major Moore as Chairman of the Board. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 g 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,992 BY MR. COMYNS CARR (Continued): Q Next, I want to ask you, Mr. YAMAMOTO, about the passage in exhibit 1344 immediately following the one I have already read. (Reading) "Consequently, the plan for the reversion of occupied areas, decided at the Liaison Conference of the government and Imperial Headquarters on 4 January 1943, stipulated independence only for Burma and the Philippines, and mentioned that independence for other areas would be decided later. Then, at the Imperial Conference of 3 1 May 1943, it was decided to make it their policy to incorporate the East Indies areas into Japanese territory, and to allow the partici- pation in politics of native inhabitants according to their abilities. "It was also decided not to announce this reversion plan so that the Allied Powers might not take advantage of it for propaganda purposes." Does that correctly represent what happened, Mr. YAMAMOTO? A At that time I was Vice-Minister for the Ministry for Greater East ~siatic Affairs and did not attend the Liaison Conference between the govern- ment and the Imperial General Headquarters, and I am not familiar with the details as to the course of YAMAMOTO (.ROSS the discussions at that conference. However, as a member of the ministry concerned in the matter, my opinion then, as I have said before, was that we could not — we were opposed to any idea of abandoning the grant of independence for such a reason as just quoted, and I to this day hold to the same idea. Q I didn't ask you for your opinion. I asked you whether the decision there set out was not the one taken. A If there were an actual decision, and — even if there were a decision, I would say that it was an agreement of views within the Liaison Confer- ence — a unanimous agreement of views at the Liaison Conference. Q You still haven't answered the question. Was not the decision taken and communicated to your ministry as stated in the words I have read? A Yes, it was reported. Q That is all I wanted. How, omitting the next paragraph, I am going to read the paragraph numbered "2" on page 2: "Though the Japanese Army authorities on the spot were greatly dissatisfied with this decision, they made no representations of their opposition. Mr. Soekarno, who visited Japan soon after the Greater 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,994 East Asia Conference, made an earnest request to Prime Minister TCJO to grant the East Indies area her independence. The meeting, however, ended without any definite reply from TOJO and Soekarno returned to Java greatly disappointed," Did that happen? A Yes, Q Now, you mentioned that eventually Japan did purport to grant independence to the Dutch East Indies. Was that on the 17th of July, 1945? A Are you referring to the date when the Japanese Government announced its intention to grant independence to the Netherlands East Indies? Q Yes. A Yes, I think the date was as just read — as just.given. Q And that was not quite a month before the surrender of Japan. Was that after and because of the complete cutting off by the Allies of any communi- cation between Japan and the Dutch East Indies by sea? A No. But, if you would like to have the opinion, I should like to speak of it. THE MONITOR: I should explain why it was not so. Q Well, first of all, listen to what is said 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,995 in this document, and then tell us if you do not agree with it. On page 3 of the same document, the paragraph numbered "3." "Subsequently, the war situation took a turn for the worse and sea transportation between Japan and the South was definitely at an end. For this reason, demands for economic self-sufficiency by the troops on the spot were greatly increased, and it be- came notably difficult to win the hearts of the native inhabitants of Java and Sumatra by mere abstract statements about independence. "The army authorities on the spot had previ- I ously established a Central Advisory Council in Java, I in accordance with the policy of political participation j for the native inhabitants, but this was no more than a consultative body for political administration. The deciding of a definite policy for the preparation of independence thus became an imminent problem." Were not those the real reasons for the decision reached on the 17th of July, 194-5? MR. ROBERTS: I believe the witness has testified 'hat in 1945 he was Ambassador in Thailand. I would like to ask him if this is within his knowl- edge. MR. COMYNS CARR.s He, himself, introduced YAMAHOTO CROSS 17,996 the fact that independence ultimately was purported to be granted. If he wishes to say that he cannot answer the question, he is quite capable of doing it without prompting from my learned friend. THE PRESIDENT: Yes, it is for the witness to state what he knows, A The facts which were just quoted to me related to 1945. As I was Ambassador to Thailand in and since 1944, and I am not familiar with the course of events during that time, I cannot correctly tes- tify here on that matter, Q Mr. YAMAMCTO, you understand and speak Eng- lish quite well, do you not? A Mv English is very elementary, and, there- fore, my understanding of the language or my ability to speak that language is very weak. THE MONITOR: It cannot be classified as well. Q Now, during the period before the 17th of July, 1945, the period of the Japanese occupation, did they get any co-prosperity in the Netherlands Fast Indies? A The fundamental principle for the establish- ment of the co-prosperity sphere came to be seriously considered the year after the outbreak of the last war. Since then the Netherlands East Indies were permitted 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO J CROSi- 17,997 little by little to enjoy political participation, and various measures were taken to bring about the economic prosperity of the people, and results were achieved. Q Did those measures, as in the other cases I have put to you, include confiscating all the industries and handing them over to Japanese com- panies? A That is not absolute — that is absolutely not in the idea of co-prosperity. Q Perhaps not; but did it not happen? A Since it took place after the outbreak of the war, and since it was outside of the province of mat- ters in my jurisdiction, I am not familiar with the details of the circumstances there before or after the occupation. YAIiAMOTO i CROSS 17,998 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 Q Was not something of that kind oart of the policy laid down by the Japanese Government in its economic counterplans for the southern area? A There is nothing in the nature of an exploitative policy in the economic policv of the Japanese Government toward the southern region. MR. COMYNS CARR % I am now referring, your 8 Honor, to prosecution exhibit 1332, prosecution docu- 9 ment No. 1492, dated the l6th of December 1941. THE PRESIDENTS We don't seem to have it. MR. COMYNS CARR: No, your Honor, I am afraid 12 | I did not decide to use this one in time to notify 13 the Judges' secretaries in regard to it, but I think 14 the Language Division have it. 15 Q I am reading the first paragraph on page 1, 16 under the heading "Chapter I. Policy." 17 "The principal aim of the policy is to fill i the demand for important natural resources and thereby 19 contribute to the execution of the present warfare, and at the same time, to establish a system of autarchy for the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, and speedily find means of strengthening and repleting the Imperial economic strength." Do not you know that that top secret oocument records the decision of a cabinet meeting on the 16th 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSi- 17,999 December 1941? A I have no positive recollection, but I presume that there was such a decision. Q And wasn't it given to you as part of the policy you had to carry out? A Of course, it was of the utmost importance and necessity to mobilize economic power in order to prosecute war, but to prosecute war in accordance with tne method which I have already described before; that is, by securing the sincere collaboration and cooperation of the people on the spot. There was no change in that policy. Q I am suggesting to you that the plans indicated in this secret document are quite different from those published statements about co-prosperity which you have been talking about. Am I not right? A As I have said before, the ideal or concept of co-prosperity became crystallized for the first time in the Joint Declaration of the Greater East Asiatic Nations; and many measures were taken in accordance with that concept even before such a reso- lution was passed. However, it is an inescapable fact that the various general policies which were taken before the declaration was announced may not have been in every case consistent. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSS 1 8 j 0 0 0 Q Turning, now, to page 4 of that same document, paragraph numbered 2: "The selection of entrepreneurs to take charge of new exploitation of important mineral resources shall be, for the most part, in principle, in accordance with the purport of the following items. "(a) that the exploitation of resources in one place shall be left as much as possible solely to one entrepreneur." And then, paragraph 4 on the same page: "Manufacturing Industry. Manufacturing industries shall not be set up in the area as a rule, except special ones (e.g. shipbuilding, repair shops for equipment for natural resource development). This rule is not applicable to industry having equipment already in the area, and can contribute to reduction of the shipping load." Was that the policy laid down and carried out by you? A You have just read the words "in the area" in the document, and I presume that it would be an occupied area, but unless I have some further explanatio. I would not be able to answer intelligently. THE MONITOR: That is page 4, second line from the last. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAHOTO CROSS 18, Q You are quite right, Mr. YAMAMOTO, It refers to all occupied areas. A In the light of the conditions prevailing at that time, with respect to the industries which you have just referred to, the idea was that it would be most effective to utilize experienced Japanese entrepre- neurs; and in accordance with that idea such a policy was laid down and carried out. Q Now, I suggest to you that in practice it wasn't confined to new enterprises at all, but that in all the areas, whether within the countries that attended the conference or those that cidn't, it extended to confiscating the existing industries and handing them over to Japanese entrepreneurs. Isn't that right? A It is not a fact that such a policv was applied to areas which were outside of occupied areas. In the course of the war I was ambassador in Thailand, ano there has been no instance of Japan taking such measures vis-a-vis Thailand. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSS 18,002 Q I am not suggesting anything about Thailand, I am asking you about occupied areas, not only those supposed to be granted independence but also those that weren1t. A I replied as I did because it was suggested that such a policy was carried out even in areas which were not occupied. Q Oh, no, it was never suggested. Now answer the question as applied to the occupied areas. A May I ask again: Irthat year was that decision taken? Q The decision was taken on the 16th of December 1941, but I am suggesting to you that it applied and the actual practice v/ent further, right through the whole period of the war. A Immediately after tho outbreak of war inde- pendence v/aa not granted to areas at that time which were occupied at that time. That policy was estab- lished as a sort of a basis or standard for military administration in occupied areas. Such decision was modified and changed with the change in the conditions and in accordance with new developments, and the ideal of co-prosperit3>- became gradually concrete as time went on. With the crystallization of the ideal ^f co- prosperity reforms and improvements were made in that YAMAMOTO CROSS 18 ,003 policy. Q I now want to refer to a paragraph on page 8 of the same document, headed "The Second Counter Plan." "/These counter-plans/ should aim at the completion of a system of autarchy in the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, aid the economic devel- opment of the Japanese people in the Southern area on a nationally-planned basis, and promote economic exchange between areas within the Co-Prosperity Sphere." Wasn't the real object of all this to establish Japanese in ownership and control of every industry of any importance throughout the occupied areas whether they were granted, nominally granted independence or not? Nov;, in the declarations which <*ou have referred to of November 194-3 there is one about culture-- I am told I cut short "our answer. Go on, Mr. YAMAMOTO, A There is not one bit of any idea that the decision taken with respect to plans vis-a-vis the southern areas had anything of an exploitative nature. Q Now, about culture, did the conference you have spoken of decide that the countries of Greater East Asia by respecting one another's traditions and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 YAMAMOTO CROSS 18,004 developing the creative faculties of each race, will enhance the culture and civilization of Greater East Asia? In actual practice, throughout the areas, whether they were supposed to be independent or not, did not the Japanese close the schools? A I cannot help but feel extremely regrettable for the statement just made that the Japanese closed schools in all the areas after the announcement — after the joint declaration. Q That wasn't the question. The question was whether they did not begin by closing the schools in all the areas whether they were areas in which they contemplated granting independence or not — perhaps I had better complete the question before you answer. Did they not then have teachers trained in Japanese, and allow only Japanese books and teaching to be given? I am told I was wrong in saying "only." Lid they not insist on Japanese teachers and Japanese books being used in the schools, and on all the ; books being revised in accordance with Japanese ideas? A I recognize that at the outset of the occupa- tion the Japanese army out of necessity took some such measures with respect to education in the light of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 18,005 YAMAM0T0 CROSS military operations, aind for the purpose of maintain- ing law and order, Q Now, my last question— THE PRESIDENT: Well, what were the measures they took, and how did they bear on law ana order? THE WITNESS: I replied to the question with reference to education since that was the point in the question. It was necessary from the standpoint of education to educate the people, to teach the peoDle to understand the true intentions of Japan and her army because of the fact that some of the native inhabitants in these occupied areas not understanding Japan's intentions, were overwhelms by a sense of fear. It was also most necessary that opportunities be established and open for a frank exchange of views and opinions between the Japanese and the people in these areas, and to establish paternal and fraternal bonds between the two parties. And it was out of necessity that education need be controlled to some extent in order to attain this goal, THE PRESIDENT: We will adjourn until half past nine on Monday morning, (Whereupon, at l600, an adjournment was taken until Monday, 10 March 1947, at 0930.)
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March 7, 1947 - Index (p. 17, 923-18, 005)
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