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AIHARA, KAJURO Statement of Aihara (26 April 1947) Between 15-20 May, Sato asked for Prisoner roster, since they were to be sent to KIU for operations--about 10 names. Watkins had been sent to Tokyo previously--believes Plambeck's name was on the roster. Sato pointed to two names, said they would be taken to University, Aihara put check mark beside names. Sato instructed him to tell Administration Section to prepare Prisoners. Aihara told Goiyama. On that afternoon believes he saw Sato and Komori leave by truck. There were 4 operations. 7-8 Prisoners sent to University, and in each case orders to Goiyama given to Aihara by Sato. 6-7 new Prisoners during time on 4 operations. About 8 Prisoners left after operations. Komori and Sato were very good friends. Sato told Aihara that Komori was attached to headquarters hosptial. Aihara introduced to Komori -2-3 days before first operations. Later that PM Sato told Aihara that Komori a very good liason man between University and army and he was to take Prisoners to University for operations by Komori. prisoners sent to KIU selected by Sato only, who would point out names from roster Aihara would bring. Just prior to second time, Sato cautioned others of necessity of secrecy, which Aihara relayed to driver of car and guards. Sato then came over to truck, cautionedlall. At this time Goiyama was standing just outside door of detention barracks, this between 1300-1400. prisoners then brought out, entrucked, blindfolded, and Komori, Sato, and Prisoners left. That morning -5-6 after first operation, Sato asked for roster, picked out about 3 names, which information Aihara gave to Goiyama. Plambeck was either on this or 4th operation. Recalls name Aspinall, Robert J., but not as to 2nd operation. Aspinall was either executed or of operation. 2-3 days after 2nd operation, heard that Prisoners died as result. 3rd operation: about 1 June, Sato told him and then or next morning, Sato pointed to 1 (I believe) name to be sent that afternoon. Aihara made be check, relayed information to Goiyama. In early PM Sato told Aihara to come along. Aihara then saw Sato and Komori outside detention barracks, who then got in staff car and drove away. Aihara then caught street car, arrived about 1500, operation already started, believed operation on head. Sato, Komori, 6-7 others there. Hole in man's skull, Aihara then returned. Heard 3-4 days later Prisoner had died. 4th operation: about 1 week after 3rd. Sato asked where Prisoners not yet crossed off had been captured--about 10 names. Sato checked 2, Aihara gave information to Goiyama that they were to be released to Komori. Plambeck might have been in these 2. (Roster was burned.) Did hear about 7-8 Prisoners died from operations, nothing specific about one. |