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KIKKAWA, Masaharu (YOSHIKAWA) S/D (20 Feb 1948) Defendants name, according to its characters, can he also read "Yoshikawa". 34 years of age. Personnel of Gen. Hq. of the Imperial Japanese Army from April 1945 to surrender: C/S: Gen. UMEZU, Yoshijiro (or Mijiro) Deputy C/S: Lt. Gen. Hikosahuro HATA GO of 2nd Div. (or sec.): Lt. Gen. Seizo ARISUE Chief of 6th Sec: Lt. Col. Yoichi KOKO, replaced by Col. Arata YAMAMOTO at end of June or 1st of July. (This Section was the American-English Section, concerned with air intelligence, interrogated some flyers.) Chief of General Affairs Section: Col. (later Maj. Gen.) Hozo SHIBATA (not there at surrender). Succeeded by Col. FUTAKAMI, Defendant thinks. Chief of Intelligence Unit as to US within 6th Section: Lt. Col. Kakuzo OYA. Defendant his assistant. Defendant states UMEZU is now on trial with TOJO; HATA is held by the Russians; ARISUE is working for the OF; KOKO is in Nagasaki; YAMAMOTO is at 1st Demob. Jealousy existed with the Navy; liaison with its air intelligence was poor. HATA sent out a telegram to all army headquarters to this effect: "Hereafter only send to Tokyo flyers from carriers and flyers of B-29 who have valuable information.” It was sent out some time in May 1945; was prepared by Defendant as his own idea; had heard that the Tokyo KT was crowded with flyers. Defendant showed his draft to OYA; Lt. Col. Minoru KOCHI then placed his seal on it; then Defendant took it to the Chief or deputy of 4th Sec., then to Gen. ARISUE, who put his seal on it, said it was a good idea, then took it to Gen. HATA, who put his signature on it. (It is to be noted that Defendant alleges he had no contact with the KT.) About a week after dispatching the FATA telegram, Defendant and Col. KOKU went to WAH on an inspection trip to Kyushu with reference to the invasion; discussed intelligence with Maj. INENAGA and Maj. Gen. FUKUSHIMA; briefly discussed the HATA telegram and Defendant repeated that no B29 flyer should be sent to Tokyo unless possessed of valuable information. Nothing was said of disposition of flyers. About June 1945 Lt. Col. ABE and Defendant again went to WAH, were later joined by KOKO, whereat there was a conference as to Kyushu defense plans. Defendant talked to Lt. Gen. YOSHINAKA, Col. AKKTA and Maj. HABA as to defense. Defendant first learned about the execution of airmen about 16 August when AIHARA first asked for aid at the PWIB and the 6th Section, where Defendant saw him in HIGASHI's office, asked him what he wanted, whereupon he said that WAH killed about 40 Prisoners, would like to know what happened to WATKKNS. Defendant telephoned Omori PW Camp, was told WATKINS was there. AIHARA then asked if Defendant would, help him conceal the WA executions; was worried about WATKKNS reporting on his crewmen. Defendant refused the request of AIHARA. Defendant did inquire of AIHARA why 2nd Army had been informed, suggested he request advice there, suggested he see Lt. Col. MAKI, whom Defendant knew. Defendant might have discussed AIHARA's request with OYA. KIKKAWA, Masaharu - 2 About 20 August SATO came into Defendant’s office, introduced himself, mentioned the situation as to WATKIN’s going home, as to concealment of the 40 flyers killed, stated they needed G-HQ, help, and Defendant suggested he go to 2nd Army for advice. At. that time Defendant knew nothing of being transferred to Hiroshima. About 25 August AIHARA returned, said that SATO had "been to 2nd Army; that SATO and MAKI went to the Hiroshima KT, saw Col. NAGAHAMA, who refused to take responsibility; SATO then returned to WAH informing AIHARA. The day before Defendant had received notice of his transfer so promised to investigate conditions at Hiroshima. Defendant left Tokyo about 28 August, arrived at Hiroshima 30 August, and on 5 September at 1800 SATO arrived at Chugoku Headquarters and met Defendant in his office, who was interested in concealment, then went to Defendant's billet, then went to the "billet of Col. Hyozo KITANO, the Sr. Staff Officer, an old friend of SATO, and SATO explained his predicament to him, stated they were refused aid at the other headquarters. KITANO promised to discuss the matter with the OG on his return, hut that 40 would he too many, to make it as small as possible. SATO said the most important need was of concealment of the 7 captured at Aso Gun, that one was sent to Tokyo (WATKINS) and the other 6 killed, that the 6 must be covered. KITANO said the exact number might arouse suspicion, so it was decided to ask for 9, and KITANO said he would urge the CG to help. At that time Defendant knew of the Potsdam Declaration, the Emperor’s speech, but felt that cooperation as to war criminals should he only a minimum. OYA was transferred to Hiroshima about mid-July 1945, sent to 2nd A. Hq. on TDY to replace an ill intelligence officer. In his absence Lt. Col. U N O was acting Chief of the American unit at GHQ. OYA returned to Tokyo a few days before Defendant left for Hiroshima (about 25 August?), returned to 2nd Army in the latter part of September or early October 1945 for 2 - 3 days TDY, where he and Defendant discussed the concealment plan as to 9 flyers# Defendant asked him if it could be arranged to appear that 2nd Array Hq. had asked WAH to forward these flyers for interrogations. Since there was no detention quarters at 2nd Army Headquarters, they planned to have it appear that Chugoku Army had custody at the request of 2nd Array. At this conference concerning concealment Lt. Gen. KAWAMURA, C/S of Chugoku Army, Col. KITANO, OYA and Defendant were present# This was at KAWAMURA’s office; Defendant did most of the talking. They agreed that the best plan was as to Chugoku having custody of the flyers for 2nd Army agreed that OYA would give the OF that explanation if asked, since he was thereat the time of the atomic "bombinga Col. IMOTO, Sr. Staff Officer, was to give the same story as OYA if questioned. 2nd Army had moved to Kyoto in late September and IMOTO was there, and OYA was to contact him, who did so onhis way back from Tokyo. Defendant next saw Oya in mid December, who said that IMTO agreed to cooperate. In May 1946 Defendant saw IMOTO, who said he was worried about the plan, but would stand by it. After Defendant sent a messenger to WAH to secure the bones of 9 Americans, he went to 1st Inf. Replacement Unit, and Col. SHIMAUCHI agreed to help. They visited the cells where 5 Americans had been confined (3 who died there, 2 who escaped but died later. Defendant gathered the American hones, which were whiter than Jap "bones. They they went to the ruins of a Jap barracks where many Japs had. died. They decided that SHIMAUCHI would state, if Questioned, that the 9 had been kept in a rear corner of KIKKAWA, Masahura - 3 this (2 Co.) "barracks. They picked up some Jap bones, and buried the bones they gathered in the yard of the Os Club. 2 or 3 days later the messenger returned from WAH with the bones of 9 Americans. Defendant sent half of them to SHIMAUCHI to mix with the box in his office building (from about 1000 Japs), and mixed the remaining bones with those in the box buried in the Os Club yard. In December 1945, Defendant was with Lt. DAY when he took the bones out of the box in SHIMAUCHI's office. Before TANI and KITANO left for the 16 November Tokyo conference, Defendant discussed with them the plan of concealment, and it was decided that they would discuss it in Tokyo with the representatives of WAH and from Chubu (Central) Army, Chugoku had a report listing 32-33 flyers to submit, including those who died in crashing, those captured, and the 9 from Fukuoka. Defendant believes the report had but 2 names; he prepared it; thinks it was the same as he gave the OF at Kure. Notice of the 16 November meeting came about a week before, was addressed to the CG, signed by the Vice Minister (Lt. Gen. WAKAMATSU), directed all army commanders to attend the conference as to captured airmen, asked for a report, D. thinks, was burned after reading, according to directions, according to KITANO. When TANI and KITANO returned from the conference, TANI told Defendant they had delivered the report, advised there were no atrocities in their area, that he had seen NISHIHARA, who informed him that the OF knew nothing of WAH atrocities, that since they had killed over40 at WAH he could not be bothered over what might happen if the concealment by Chugoku of only 9 was disclosed. TANI was angry. Defendant thinks he made reports as to airmen in September and October, distributed to 2nd Army, War Minister, and probably WAH. The American Forces demanded a list showing the location ofAmerican bodies, which caused them worry, and Defendant prepared a list similar to the one TANI took to the Tokyo conference, which included the 9 WAH flyers. About January 1946 Defendant went to Fukuoka to get information as to the American investigation after discussing it with TANI and KITANO. Defendant asked for SATO, who was out, then asked for AKITA, told him of his purpose, and AKITA said he knew of the 9, but told Defendant to be prepared for possible exposure, said INADA was handling the entire matter of those killed at WAH and that Defendant should see him for details. Defendant then went to INADA, discussed the Chugoku situation, who said he was sorry he was causing so much trouble to TANI, that if exposed, to blame everything on WAH, that they had reported that 31 flyers were flown to Tokyo, but never arrived, but that 1st Demobilization was difficult, wanted a true report, since it was afraid the truth would be exposed, and that INADA was going there to make a true report on the 31st, but there would be no change on the Hiroshima 9. FUKUSHIKA was present during most of this conversation. INADA said the Americans were doing some investigating, but that only Sato had been questioned. Defendant went back to Hiroshima, reported to TANI, KAWAMURA and KITANAO. TANI said he was worried, and Defendant went to Tokyo, arriving on 19-20 June 1946, to wee what INADA was reporting. Defendant was referred to Col. Manzuo TAKAHASHI at the Legal Investigation, who showed him the report listing 3 executions, one after the Fukuoka KIKKAWA - 4 airraid, one after the Nagasaki atomic "bombing, and one on 15-16 August, about 31 executions in all, no names of Americans. TAKAHASHI said INADA had brought it personally a day or two before. TAKAHASHI said the committee would rewrite it, omitting the names (of Japs) and submit it to the OF. Defendant told TAKAHASHI why he was interested in the report, was worried since only 31 of the 40 were listed, although he thought the Chugoku 9 were among the 31 executed. TAKAHASHI told Defendant he would discuss the matter with higher Officers in the War Ministry of the false report (meaning the V. Min. Of War, Chief of LS, Chief of Gen. Section, and Chief of the PWIB). Defendant went to the Chiefs of Staff conference as aide to KAWAMURA, who was present, as well as Maj. Gen. YOSHIZUMI, Chief of Gen. Affairs Section, Maj. Gen. TSUBOSHIMA, Chief of PW Inves. Committee, Maj. Gen. KONUMA, Vice Chief of Inves. Committee re PWs, Lt. Gen. OYAMA, Chief of LS, Lt. Gen. INADA, Masazumi, C/S of WA. KAWAMURA explained the false report as to the 9, wanted a decision as to whether to disclose. INADA related that he had submitted a report as to the 31 being executed, despite a previous report to the OF as to the Tokyo plane alibi, that WAH had requested Chugoku to make the false report, that he was sorry, did not specifically state but implied a request for continued concealment. KARA or YOSHIZUMI stated that it would be better to continue concealing the true facts, addressed this to KOTSUKI, who merely nodded approval. KAWAMURA then stated that if disclosure they could plan on a story that WAH fooled them. YOSHIYZUMI or KARA then stated that if the truth were admitted responsibility would fall on Chugoku and thought it better to maintain that Chugoku was misled by WAH. KOTSUKI nodded approval. Defendant then apprixed TAKAHASHI, sent a message to TANI, who had been apprehended as a war criminal, thinks he told IMOTO AND OYA. Part of the plan with SHIMAUCHI was to account for the feet that the RC initial report had listed about 10 Prisoners killed in the bombing, and SHIMAUCHI and Defendant were to claim that they received further information from a guard who had subsequently died as to 9 killed. In February 1946 Defendant sent a report to 1st Demobilization listing names of guards who allegedly escorted captured flyers in the Chugoku area - about 15 including some of the alleged escorts of the 9 flyers. This had the approval of KAWAMURA, Lt. Gen. KAWANISHI, then CG and Col. SAITO, Sr. Staff 0. KAWANISHI and SAITO arrived about January 1946, and Defendant briefed them on the concealment of the 9 flyers. About May 1946 Defendant went to Tokyo, talked to Major TAKETOMI, who replaced TAKAHASHI who asked him if he knew of the KIU incident, 1st Defendant knew the plan of the 9 might conceal a special crime. In March or early Apil 1946 Defendant was assigned to work in repatriation matters, went to Tokyo in this regard. However, Defendant went to TAKETOMI about the American investigation, since he a member of the LS, told himof the Chogoku plan of concealment. Defendant then recalls that Maj. Gen. KONUMA who was at the conference re Chugoku concealment told him later that he had seen the report INADA brought and that INADA at that time said there would be a supplemental report. Hagen then showed Defendant a Feb. 1946 report to SCAP by the Central Investigation Committee admitting killing of 31 airmen at WAH in 3 executions, which Defendant KIKKAWA - 5 stated that it seemed the same that Defendant read in TAKAHASHI's office except that it mentioned no names. In August 1946 Defendant stopped in Fukuoka enroute to Kumamoto to see his mother, talked to Maj. Gen. OKADA, Chief ofWestern Demob., who said he did not think the Americans knew that the Hiroshima report as to the 9 was false. Defendant told him about the 'far Ministry meeting as to concealment. Defendant was then questioned by an American Officer at Osaka, and Defendant gave him copies, of death certificates of NEAL and BRISSET and a certificate of delivery of certain Prisoners, later gave him English translations of many of the documents from Chugoku files, dealing mainly with the 9 flyer report and Prisoners held at the time of the atomic bombing and investigation made (Lt. SULLIVAN) Defendant told him that 20 Prisoners were killed in the bombing; Defendant included the false 9. Defendant was recalled from Osaka and on 25 February 1947 Defendant handcarried to 1st Demob, requested additional information re flyers in the Chugoku Area, submitted it to TAKETOMI, which report included the 9 flyers, but Defendant crossed out the names of that 9 - the last time he formally admitted the report was false. About 20 March 1947 Defendant made a complete* written report to 1st Demobilization stating that the previous reports were false. WAH admitted the 9 flyer report false in April 1947; Defendant believes. Defendant then lists 6th Sec. personnel. The 6th Section did personally interrogate flyers. Defendant then changes statement as to telegram draft; the telegram Defendant took to OYA read that only pilots fromaircraft Carriers should be sent to Tokyo. Defendant thinks OYA added members of B29s with valuable information.
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