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S /D (1 Oct 1945??) ATIS 43388 At Western Army Hdqrs from 16 June 45 in Operations Dept; studied guerrilla warfare under YAKUMARU, constantly consulted TOMOMORI about plans. On 7 or 8 Aug AIHARA (AIBARA), Officer in charge of PWs, came to defendant said that tomorrow at 0900 at Aburayama eight flyers would be executed - “please attend the execution.” Defendant could not accept request on his own, asked SATO, Staff Officer in charge of the enemy airmen, who confirmed that there would would be any execution said "There are many young officers with you, so won’t you go"? Defendant was worried, said he knew nothing of executions, asked if anyone else was going, and SATO said that Adjutant NAKAMURA would take care of details, (not absolutely sure of name NAKAMURA). SATO also said that all his group needed to do was to perform the executions, defendant then being relieved said "Well then, I shall go." Defendant then told AIHARA that they would attend the executions, got the location, fact of truck going, and AIHARA said "We will be expecting you there." Defendant then reported to YAKUMARU, who said HI understand; very well.11 He then reported to TOMOMORI. asked if he were going, that he had been told to go with some of his officers. TOMOMORI said, "Oh, is that so? Then I shall go, too." Defendant was senior officer among "these" (guerrilla) men, but not superior officer exercising command, who was YAKUMARU. On the next day defendant asked YAKUMARU if he weren't going, YAKUMARU replying he was too busy. TOMOMORI said he was busy at the moment, would be along later. SATO stood near the cab of the truck, talking to someone (probably Adjutant NAKAMURA). SATO said to defendant "Thanks for coming," that he could not go because of an impending airraid. There were at Aburayama about ten persons, including two air staff officers, a LS Captain, and LS 2nd Lt. They finished the aftermath of an execution, and TOMOMORI then arrived. The preparations were by NAKAMURA. Defendant then asked his officers for volunteers— ‘there were many— all could not participate— -told about five to prepare. Defendant then asked 3-4 other superior and senior officers if they wished to do it, they said no. so he did not push them because he thought NAKAMURA's group would "do it". The guerrilla volunteers decided among themselves the order for carrying out the execution.” Defendant then lined up his officers, the others fell into line, and they saluted TOMOMORI. There were about 20 there. An officer then stepped out, said he would being, NAKAMURA disposed of the corpses after the executions. The executioners were 1st Lt. OTOSU (1), 1st Lt. KUBOKI (1), 1st Lt. EGUCHI (1), 1st Lt. NAGASAKI (1), PO HATANO (Sakano?) (1), unknown Officer (1), a judicial officer (ONO) (2). At the termination defendant lined up the men, saluted TOMOMORI, who thanked them, said that justice was meted out to the enemies, not PWs They got back just before lunch. Defendant thought the execution's legal only after trial.
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