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Statement of Araki (26 Nov 47). 34, Sgt and guard in courts martial branch of Legal Section at WAH, from July 1944 until surrender. In back of the main building and next to the Air Defense Bldg there was a stockage with a surrounding concrete wall which was used to house Jap Prisoners to be tried by Legal Section and from early 1945 on Americans, were sometimes kept there. 2 or 3 calls which could house 3 men each were used. Later some were put in another building near the stockade. They were guarded by Adj Section personnel in Legal Section Stockade. Probably about late July, Araki noted a very tall Prisoner, a 1st Lt or Capt, who was limping, there being 3 or 4 such Prisoners there at the time. On being shown photos, he recalls the faces of Aspinall, Thornton and Hewitt. Araki also remembers the name Jack (Roy). Araki believes Aspinall was there before 20 June, did quite a bit of praying. Thornton and hewitt were there after the airraid, Araki believes Aspinall was killed 20 June. Araki helped take Prisoners to the execution area 20 June. About 0900 or 1000 they so ordered to take the Prisoners to a spot behind WAH where Araki saw 1st Lt Murata and Capt Wako, 5 or 6 other staff Officers one Toji, who Araki heard executed some Prisoners. Among the 6 or 7 guards escorting the Prisoners, were Sgt Nakamura and Sgt Kubo. On the orders of Sgt Maj Uemura, Araki returned after the Prisoners were turned over to the officer. Araki heard Wako beheaded some of the Prisoners. 7 or 8 were taken there. |