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OKI, Ginzaburo ATIS translation of OKI Report. At the end of Sept, or first of Oct. 1945, the Minister of War set up the establishment of a PW- Investigation Committee at the War Ministry and the various army district headquarters, including western, to investigate the disposition of . PWs and flight personnel of Allied Countries, Oki investigating Western District Army Headquarters. About Nov. 1945 Ito came to Tokyo and spoke to Lt. Gen. Fujii and Oki, stating that about 30 US army flight personnel were executed in the Western District Army, that WA was thinking of concealing it, Fujii and Oki stating that it was impossible. About 16 Nov. a conference was held at the War Ministry of first and 2nd Army General Headquarters commanders and various army district commanders involving demobilization, disposal of material, etc., but Col; Takayama of the army affairs section, Military Affairs Bureau, War Ministry, stated that the main underlying issue was the discussion and report regarding the disposition of Allied PWs and flight personnel. Oki heard that the Minister of War, Vice Minister of War, Chief of Military Affairs Bureau, and Chief of Judicial Bureau met the commanders individually, discussed reporting disposition of PWs to the Occupation Forces. About the beginning of Dec. 1945 Lt. Gen. Yoshizumi, chief of General Affairs Bureau, 1st Demobilization Ministry (formerly had same job with War Ministry) and persons concerned with PW cases investigations, met. Present were Lt. Gen. Oyama, Chief of Judicial Bureau (replaced Fujii on 15 Nov) and Oki. Yoshizumi said that the Western Demobilization report showed no killings of American flight personnel, that such an obviously false report could not be sent to GHQ, that he wanted a corrected report made. About 10 December, in Tokyo, Oyama told Oki that there were indications that Ito was connected with the executions, that Oki would relieve him as Chief of the Judicial Section and investigate the executions. The following day Akita greeted Oki in Tokyo. 17 December Oki received his appointment and Ito became attached to the Inspectorate of Demobilization, Western District. Ito came to Tokyo about 20 December, told him he had no connection with the American executions, but others said he did. On the day Oki became chief, Maj. Igawa joined Oki, Igawa arriving at Fukuoka about 23 December, Oki arriving 2 January 1946; Igawa already having checked with Tomomori. 3 Jan. Oyama went to Tokyo, met with Nishihara, Inada, and Oki. Oyama asked that the investigation be made quickly. Nishihara and Inada then said they would order Oki for the investigation. Oki replied that he would have to be empowered to conduct this examination as a criminal case in the capacity cf a prosecuting officer of the Demobilization Court, to be there, to hold persons in custody, and obtain statements, that this couldn't be done as Chief cf Judicial Section, not having the power and impracticable administratively. Inada stated that if the examinations are to be conducted as murder cases Fukushima and Ito would not be permitted lawfully to be tried in the Western Demobilization District Court because they are considered as connected OKI - 2 - but placed under the jurisdiction of the Higher Demobilization Courts in Tokyo, and therefore Oki should conduct the investigation as Chief of Judicial Section. Nishihara's attitude suggested affirmance, but he said nothing. That evening Oki at about 2100 called on Inada and talked to him and Akita, at which Inada said that Akita and he had no connection with the executions, that he investigated the incidents as chairman of the PW Investigation Committee and knew of them, but would not sayanything to Oki, but would see what sort of investigation he would make, that if the investigation went on Sato’s supposition that the flight personnel was not killed, there ought to have been 31 on 15 August remaining, that they were allegedly sent by air to Tokyo but there was no record of the plane, that lies, were sent to the CIC in Kurume and 1st Demobilization under the name of Fukushima, that they weren't acceptable to give to the Occupation Forces. |
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Statement of Ito about 4 Jan. 4 Jan. Oki conveyed this to Oyama. Igawa and Maj. Tsukada were his assistants in the investigation. Oki conducted the investigation from about 4 to 15 Jan. Igawa and Oki took Ito’s version 5 Jan, in which he said that about Dec. 1944 American flight personnel were sent to WAH, that Staff Section requested use of the stockade of Fukuoka Army because of lack of accomodations, that it was arranged with the camp commander, Capt. Wamitsu (Wako), but the flyers were the responsibility of the staff and adjutant section (Jin). In early 1945 Staff Section arranged to remodel the waiting room building (for courts martial) for the flyers. About mid May 1945 the prosecuting office of WA received from the MPs an account of an incident involving violation of international law of 4 flyers, which was accepted and examination commenced, which was reported to the war minister. On 19 June there was a US airraid, and on the morning of 20 June Capt. Wamitsu (Wako stated that there was talk of executing the flight personnel, that it had been said that the army commander (Yokoyama) approved it, that the reputed plan of the staff section was to state that the flight personnel perished in the air raid. Ito agreed that in that case it must be satisfactory, went to the scene of the execution that afternoon after hearing of it from someone, but was late, with 4 Prisoners remaining who were decapitated. That evening Ito reported to Yokoyama that all the flight personnel died in the bombing; bystander questioned this and Ito said they were regarded as dying in the bombing, Yokoyama said, "Oh, Is that so." and Ito realized that Yokoyama had approved. Ito heard after the war of 2 other executions. Ito further said there were executions of flight personnel before 20 June, but he would not talk about them, that Sato was the chief staff officer in charge of the disposition of flight personnel. Ito believed 9 were executed 20 June, that the 4 flyers under investigation were then executed, that the Judicial Section wrote a report stating that the court martial case was closed since the 4 died in the bombing. |
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Statement of Fukushima about 6 Jan. On 6 Jan. Igawa and Oki examined Fukushima, who stated that the disposition of flight personnel was the task of the 16th Army, that he had nothing to do with it, but that disposition was effected through the system of command involving Yokoyama, Inada, Akita and Sato, that he heard of the 20 June execution after OKI - 3 - it happened, that Tomomori told him of the executions in early June on the day after. On 15 August Sato inferred to Fukushima that the flight personnel would be executed, and Fukushima said it could not be cordoned, since Japan had accepted the Potsdam declaration, but he later heard Sato ordered the executions. Fukushima said there were about 4 such occasions, but was not referring to the other, that he tried hard to hide these murder Incidents from the US Army and so reported that the 31 unaccounted for at the surrender, according to Sato’s chart, were transferred to Tokyo by air, but Tokyo said no such airplane was unaccounted for, and Oki thought he could cover by saying a special attack unit plane engaged in suicide attack dropped into the sea with the flyers aboard or that it plunged into an American battleship. Thus such a report was sent to the CIC in Kurume bearing Fukushima’s name, that Sato was then investigating this particular plane, that he thought the deaths could be concealed, unless the Demobilization Minister ordered a report of the facts. |
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Statement of Sato on about 6 Jan. That afternoon (6 Jan) Sato stated that he handled matters regarding American Flight Personnel as an air staff officer, that all were sent to Tokyo to April 1945, that about May Tokyo said they were not to be sent unless especially new information, but to conduct appropriate disposition of them in the respective armies, that the flight personnel were put in the stockade and flight personnel internment camp within headquarters, that responsibility for allowances, sanitation, and' surveillance of the flight personnel was born by the adjutant section (Jin.) Sato further stated that about June or July Lt. Col. Kikkawa of Tokyo Headquarters became a staff officer of 2nd Army and about July 9 flight personnel through his liaison were shipped to Hiroshima, that about May 1945 four flyers were transferred to the Western District Army. Military Tribunal prosecuting officer as to violation of military law, but that from their experiences in Shanghai Ito and Wamitsu (Wako) appeared to dislike handling such disposition, that as the time for the invasion of Kyushu Yokoyama gave his subordinates to understand that he wanted all Americans killed, even the flight personnel. In about June Sato asserts that he was shown a letter from a Tokyo MP high ranking official to the Western District MP Headquarters which carried the impression it was desirable to take appropriate action against flight personnel, and Sato realized that the central authorities believed it permissible to execute flight personnel without trial. Sato further relates that a cry for the lives of flight personnel arose among some of the Officers after the 19 June raid, that Wamitsu (Wako) came to Sato in the morning of 20 June and said, "Isn’t it better to execute the flight personnel?" to which Sato agreed, that Akita went to Yokoyama, returned and said he had given approval, which Sato told Wamitsu (Wako), in the PM, told Sato that the execution would start, that he Sato, said to go ahead with it, that he arrived shortly afterwards, following Ito, that about 4 flight personnel remained, who were then decapitated by 1st Lt. Toji of the Air Intelligence Unit. Sato further stated that 8 were decapitated, that he heard that Wamitsu (Wako) "also performed the decapitation." Sato states that the next execution occurred in the beginning of August, that he doesn’t know the details, that Itezono does, that on 15 Aug. Maj. Kusumoto came OKI - 4 - to Sato, said "there are sentiments expressed that it is better to execute the flight personnel currently interned; what shall be done about it?" Sato thought it was better to execute them. States that Kusumoto and he then went to<r see Fukushima that Sato went in alone, said that he thought it was better to execute them and asked the opinion of Fukushima, who said, "Be careful in carrying out the execution." whereupon Sato went out and told the waiting Kusumoto to get ready for the executions, and on that afternoon over 10 were executed near Aburayama. While Sato was at the scene he doesn’t remember the names of the executioner; most were officers from the Air Defense Operations Room. Sato then stated that all the corpses were burned at Aburayama at the time the war ended, and the remains ordered dumped into Hakata Bay, that his report contained a falsification wherein it stated that 31 members of the flight personnel were transferred to an airplane from Imperial Headquarters. |
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Statement of Kusumoto on or about 7 Jan. About 7 Jan., with Igawa, Oki investigated Tominosuke Kusumoto, who related as follows: Kusumoto was adjutant, of the WA,conducted the disposition of American Flight Personnel. in accordance with instruction from Staff Section; the flow of flyers was under the staff, the adjutant was in charge of their allowances and sanitation. 19 Feb. the Western District Army was divided in the WA and 16th districts, but the personnel concerned served both armies. Jin was Chief of the Adjutant Section. 25 June the 16th moved to Yamaie. On that date Yokoyama, Inada, Akita, and Jin transferred to Yamaie, and Kusumoto acted as senior adjutant and worked in Fukuoka where Sato remained. Capt. Goiyama was in charge of duties regarding the flight personnel internment camp up to 25 June, when Capt. Yukino succeeded him. Kusumoto heard of the 20 June execution a few days after it happened. Again in mid July he heard of 17 executed at Aburayama a few days later. On 15 Aug. there were wild rumors as to the US Army landing at Hakata Bay, hostility arose, the Fukuoka headquarters moved to'Hirao, but not Air Defense Operations. On 15 Aug. Yukino said to Kusumoto "Will the flight personnel be taken south? viould it not be better to punish them since flight personnel have been executed before?" Kusumoto said he would ask Sato, who said "I think they should be punished; However, we will ask Maj, Gen. Fukushima for his opinion.” and they went to his office, Kusumoto waiting outside. Sato then came out, said ’’They shall be punished." and Kusumoto readied the automobile and made preparations. Kusumoto found out later that the flight personnel had been executed on noon of that day at Aburayama, believes he was told that 8 were killed. About 7 Jan. Oki questioned 3 girls of the Intendance Section of WA, 3 knew of 20 June execution. This was to prove to Fukushima that it was impossible to hide the execution; he then told Fukushima and Inada about this. |
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Statement of Kiyoharu Tomomori to Oki. In early Aug. Itezono said to O̶k̶i̶ / Tomomori ’’There will be an execution of flight personnel. OKI - 5 - Let us witness it." Tomomori accompanied him to the site. There were about 8 flyers. Tomomori watched the decapitation of about 2, became sick, could not stand the sight of blood streaming from a victims head into which an arrow had been shot, so made them stop. Another person tortured the crew by practicing karate; Tomomori ordered him to cease. |
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Statement of Sadayoshi Murata. About 8 were executed within Headquarters 20 June; he does not remember whether Wamitsu (Wako) said to him "I hear that the army commander has granted approval." Executioners of that day were Cajbt. Wamitsu (Wako) and officer (s) of the Air Intelligence Unit and an NCO of the Staff Section. 1st Lt. Shimazaki, judicial, is well informed as to this. Murata disposed of the corpses of the executed, took care of the remains after the war, according to orders of Fukushima and Sato. The cremated remains were thrown in the sea. |
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Statement of Matsuzo Shimazaki (taken 8 January) Shimazaki was a spectator at the 20 June execution. Wamitsu (Wako) decapitated two. P.O. Tamotsu Onishi (later 2nd Lt. Judicial Section) decapitated one. An NCO of staff section decapitated one, and an intendance 1st Lt., whose name resembled Toji, Air Intelligence Unit, decapitated 4. 8 were killed. In early Aug. there was a 2nd execution. Shimazaki heard that Kanji Yoshida, captain, judicial department, and Minehiro Ono 2nd Lt., judicial department, decapitated one each. A Japanese soldier of the 6th Air Array was executed just prior. |
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Statement of Seigo Kamimura The execution of the Japanese preceding the flyers was about 12 August. Kamimura was in charge of the guards at the Fukuoka Army Stockade, but the responsibility of guarding the flyers was with the Adjutant Section. This stockade had only been loaned to the staff and adjutant’s sections. There were about 3 flyers in the stockade about 20 June and some in the internment camp. |
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Statement of Col. Akita (about 8 Jan. 1946) In May 1945 Sato told Akita he would like to dispose of the flight personnel in a manner similar to the Doolittle incident, asked Akita to get the approval of Yokoyama, who agreed with Oki that examination by a military tribunal is supposed to be had, which he relayed to Sato. Akita had never heard of execution of flyers without trial; approval for such had never been granted by Yokoyama. Akita was in south Kyushu from Mid June to 23 June 1945, knew nothing of the 20 June execution. |
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OKI - 6 - Statement of Masato Noji (about 9 Jan.) Noji believes at least 15 were executed on 15 Aug. In the afternoon of that day Yukino requested 15 coffins be made, and Noji had carpenters make them immediately, and turned them over to Yukino. |
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Statement of Einosuke Kutsuwa (about 9 Jan.) Noji ordered 1020 coffins on the PM of 15 Aug, which were begun at 1400, completed in 2 hours. |
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Statement of Tatsuo Itezono (about 9 Jan.) Itezono had nothing to do with the 20 June execution, but v/as on the scene of the 12 August execution, was ordered by Sato to have the officers and POs of the commando unit under his charge execute the flight personnel, which he carried out. Before leaving for the execution Oki reported to Chief Of Staff Yakumaru and Assistant Chief of Staff Tomomori., invited Yakumaru and Tomomori to the scene, but only Tomomori came, which was the mountain near the Aburayama Crematorium. There were approximately 8 flyers. At the site, they saluted Tomomori when he arrived, proceeded with the execution. Officers and PO’s of the commando unit, and some officer (s) of the Judicial Section participated. Some practiced archery and karate. After the execution Tomomori said "Today we have executed our enemy." The bodies were buried in a hold dug at the site. |
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Statement of Katsuya Yakumaru (about 10 Jan.) About April 1945 Sato told Yakumaru that he would assume responsibility over matter concerning flight personnel. Yakumaru believes that he heard in early Aug 1945 that flyers were to be executed, is not very informed as to the 20 June incident, does remember that some headquarters officers were hostile toward the flyers at the time of the Hiroshima bombing. On the night of 14 Aug., Sato told Itezono that flyers were to be executed the next day. |
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Statement of Koshi Yukino (about 10 Jan) Yukino assumed duties on 25 June 1945 at the flight personnel internment camp of Fukuoka Headquarters. Yukino heard of the 20 June incident afterwards. To stimulate hostile feelings toward the US Army, Col. Tomomori had an effigy of an American soldier placed at the entrance to the Fukuoka Headquarters and compelled the camp personnel to strike it whenever they passed. OKI - 7 - About July Yukino went to Fukuoka Station to receive new flyers, and a soldier told him as he was about to place them in internment camp that Tomomori has ordered that they are to be beaten by the camp personnel, Yukino then transferring them to the soldier. As he followed them someone was beating them, and he placed them in the internment camp after the beating was over. About Aug. he heard some of the flyers had been executed. On 15 Aug. he asked Kusumoto what they were going to do with the flyers, and he replied that he had discussed the matter with Sato, who eventually ordered that they be punished. |
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Summary of Oki. Sato and others were hostile to enemy flyers and caused them to favor punishment (execution) of the interned American flyers,.and Sato so advised Yokoyama, approval was obtained, and Sato directed Wamitsu (Wako) to make preparations, who reported this to Ito, who, as chief prosecuting officer and chief of the judicial section knew that 4 flyers were being investigated, but he failed to fulfill his duty of advising the army commander and agreed to the execution, although he was aware that the execution of the approximately 8, including the specific 4, was a violation of law. Wamitsu (Wako) had the personnel of the army stockade bring the flight personnel to a corner of the headquarters area, and they were executed on the 20th. When Oki was about to write the report, Inada and Col. Takahashi of the PW Investigation Section, 1st Demobilization Ministry, came to see Oki. Inada stated that Takahashi told him to submit the WA report to Tokyo at once, wanted to know how it was proceeding. Oki read him the draft whereupon he said that it was not true that Sato got approval from Yokoyama through Akita, that Akita was on detached service at that time and not present, that he related this to Sato, who realized his mistake, that this was the 1st time Inada heard about any discussion at headquarters between Ito, Yokoyama and another on the evening of 20 June, that Ito never mentioned this to him, that the other person was probably Isa, that on the night of 19 June when Inada was in the Air Defense Operations Room with Yokoyama and Fukushima. Fukushima said that some of the young Officers wanted permission to decapitate the flyers whereupon Inada said that it should not be allowed. Yokoyama must have heard this conversation, and would hardly approve that which Inada approved. Inada then asked him to complete it by 15 Jan., to question Goiyama, Ichiro Maeda, Akamine and Enatsu. |
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Statement of Tokuji Enatsu (about 11 Jan.) Enatsu heard cf the 20 June execution the following day. In July Oki heard a commotion at the Headquarters entrance, saw people beating flyers, some members of the headquarters, whereupon he ordered them to cease. About 12 August Tomomori told him there was to be an execution of flyers, asked "Shall we watch?" to OKI - 8 - which he agreed and they went to Aburayama by automobile, whereat there were 607 flyers, but he felt sick after 3 decapitations. He saw someone practicing archery and karate, but since none died, Tomomori ordered a halt and had them decaptitated. After the execution Tomomori addressed the personnel, stated that they decapitated enemy, not PWs under international law. Enatsu could not believe that the decapitations were carried out as the result of a death sentence passed by a military commission or court martial. |
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Statement of Naoji Goiyama (by Igawa about 12 Jan.) Igawa told Oki that Goiyama stated that about 15 or 16 American Flyers were interned towards the end of May 1945, but not one was left after the execution of 20 June, and when Goiyama transferred the affairs of the flyers internment camp to Yukino, Goiyama stated he heard of the 20 June execution after it was over. The flyers other than the 8 executed were sent to the Medical Department of the Imperial University, although they did not seem to be suffering from any ailment between the latter part of May and 1st of June, did not return. |
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Statement of Isamu Yokoyama (taken 12 Jan. on Akita’s arranging the interview) On taking command of WA Yokoyama states that he told his men that PWs and flight personnel will be treated according to the policy set forth by central authorities and existing regulations. On 25 June, following the removal of the 16th Area army headquarters to Yamaie to facilitate army operations, Lt. Gen. Isa was appointed commander of the Western District. On the separation of the 16th and WA, liaison between the two became inadequate and at times there was animosity between the 2 units. He told his men that everyone on Kyushu must fight in the invasion, but this did not imply that interned American soldiers were to be executed, and he only learned of this after the war, although he had often been to Fukuoka from Yamaie. He does not remember Ito coming to his quarters on the evening of 20 June concerning flyers being executed. |
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Conversation with Inada and Akita on about 12 Jan. Oki stated that Goiyama reported 7-8 flyers sent to KIU, probably killed. Inada said he became aware of this when Goiyama was interrogated by Igawa. Inada asked him why he had to tell it; he said he thought that Oki and Igawa were on his side. Inada then stated the arrrangements had been made with 2nd Army to fabricate a report which would State that the flyers had been sent to Hiroshima about July, killed in early Aug. by the atom bomb, that they had already shown an American Officer the spot, that if disclosed it would implicate the Medical Department and 2nd Army, that it would be a disgrace to the Army, and therefore Oki should not refer to it in his report. Akita agreed with Inada that every attempt should be made to conceal. OKI - 9 - Inada then said in the 16 Army operational summary that all US soldiers were to be killed if the US Army came to KYUSHU, but that this did not necessarily mean the flyers, that Yokoyama has a habit of saying "yes, yes" flippantly to indicate acknowledgement of problems he doesn’t understand thoroughly, which might have happened if Ito was correct as to the 20 June meeting, that the problem would'be solved if Sato admitted responsibility, Inada and Akita then agreed that they hadn’t heard of executions before the surrender, and Inada stated that he and Yokoyama were prepared to take responsibility as and Chief of Staff, for men under their command, but not directly connected. |
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2nd Statement of Kyusaku Fukushima (about 15 Jan.) About midnight on 19 June 1945 Capt. Jukuya (Zikuya) and 2nd Lt. Jukiro Kakao came to see Fukushima in the Air Defense Operations Room. They said, "Will you let us.decapitate the flight personnel?" Fukushima turned to Inada, who said decapitation will not be permitted, Yokoyama might have heard this. On 15 Aug. Sato came to Fukushima's room, asked his opinion about the execution of flyers; he definitely objected. |
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2nd Statement of Yoshinao Sato (about 15 Jan.) Sato stated that a short -time before the 19 June airraid, Wamitsu (Wako) came to him and suggested the flyers be executed without trial, since trial would be difficult., Sato agreed, and Yokoyama consented. On 20 June Ito expressed a desire to execute them when he came to the Air Defense Operations Room. Wamitsu (Wako) followed and expressed the same opinion, and Sato told him to prepare. Sato then states that the information that permission was obtained from Yokoyama through Akita on the 20th was a mistake, that after the surrender Yokoyama told him that it would reflect on the prestige of the army if it was said that the CG gave permission and not to tell anyone that permission was given. Sato stated that he sent the 4 flyers to the prosecuting officer-of the Military Tribunal, although Ito and Wamitsu (Wako) said trial would be difficult. As to the 12 June execution Itezono said "How about punishing them?", to which Sato agreed but said to ask the assistant Chief of Staff, meaning Fukushima, but he obtained permission from Tomomori, assistant Chief of Staff of 2nd Sec. Later, on a trip with Sato, he told Oki that PO Otani (Komori) of the army medical section said that Yokoyama gave permission to send flyers to KIU, so they were sent to Professor Taniguchi (Ishiyama) of KIU Medical Department as experimental projects for saline solution injections to cure diseases. Later Sato heard that permission had not been given, that it was Sato’s responsibility, that since this incident will cause trouble for local inhabitants, he would like to conceal the truth from the U.S.Army, that since the students were threatening Taniguchi (Ishiyama) he was going to see him. Sato further relates that the OKI - 10 - flyers were sent to the Medical Department before 19 J^ne. One flyer was sent to the 2nd Army about July. |
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Statement of Momoru Nakamura Nakamura cremated the bodies after the execution of 15 Aug., including the remains of those previously killed, which were brought by the judicial section. Kusumoto ordered remation at Aburayama Crematorium. The ashes were placed in 2 wooden boxes, one large, one small, the small buried in the Hirao hills, the large one thrown in the sea. Nakamura was with Murata when the one box was thrown in the sea on order of Sato with Yukino, who asked to go along, when they buried the other box In Hirao. |
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Statements of Ichiro Maida (Maeda) and Teruo Akamine (Oki cannot distinguish between the two) On the night of 14 August Kusumoto said that the flight personnel would be punished on the morrow and for (him) to go to the scene, which execution of 15-16 was carried out 15 August at Aburayama mainly by Officers and NCO's of the Air Defense Operations Room. The execution was carried out in roughly 4 separate groups. 1st Lt. Akamine and 3 NCOs of the operations room decapitated 4. 1st Lt. Maida (Maeda) decapitated 2. There were 2 NCOs of the operations room in Maeda's group, but Oki doesn’t know how many they decapitated. There was a group of 1st Lt. Hashiyama, one NCO of the operations room, and one naval ensign, but Oki doesn’t know how many they decapitated. During the decapitation Sato and 1st Lt. Nakayama (of the Information Section) arrived, and Nakayama decapitated 2. There was also a group of about 5 believed to be officers of the Commando Unit; how many they decapitated is not clear. |
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Further Discussion of Oki with Inada, Akita and Nishihara Inada told Oki that the fact that archery and karate were practiced is beside the point, that it should not be brought up so as to keep the number of war criminals to a minimum Oki said OK. On showing the draft of the report to the 1st Demobilization Minister on 14 Jan. Inada said to make it short and simple, change "decapitate" to "execute", and said it was unnecessary to include the names of the executioners. On revising it, he showed it to Akita and Inada, then to Nishihara, who placed his seal of approval on it, Inada and Oki explaining it to him, who saw| that hereafter bring him the original before the revised draft. The report was submitted on the night of the 15th, to a person going to Tokyo. |
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OKI - 11 - Report of Western District Atrocities to 1st Demobilization dated 15 Jan. A. Yokoyama ordered enemy soldiers killed to the last man. by male and female, soldier and civilian, flight personnel to be treated according to central authority orders, with trials of suspects, to be treated as PWs if acquitted. Hostility caused by the 19 June airraid led certain soldiers to the opinion that the flyers should be executed without trial, .which orders of execution Sato issued arbitrarily to Yusei Wamitsu (Wako), captain, judicial department and chief of the Fukuoka army stockade that interned the flyers and mentioned that the CG's (Yokoyama) permission had been obtained. Wamitsu (Wako) mentioned this to Ito, who agreed to the execution, despite his responsibility to advise the CG of the illegality and knowing that 4 flyers were being investigated by the prosecuting officer Wamitsu (Wako) ordered his men to take about 8 to one corner of the headquarters compound for personnel. B. With more bombing, including Hiroshima, hostility increased among certain officers and Sato ordered Maj. Tatsuo Itezono to have his commando unit execute 8 flyers. Itezono mentioned this to Tomomori, who was a witness at Aburayama. C. The situation was chaotic on 15 Aug., some of the women and children were evacuated; there were rumors of US landings on Hakata Bay, hostility arose among certain officers, and Kusumoto asked Sato for instructions concerning the interned flyers, and he replied that since precedent was set they would be executed, Sato then went to Fukushima, who did not clearly say "Permission not granted," so Sato implied consent, ordered 15 flyers executed by officers of the Headquarters Operations room at Aburayama. |
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Investigation by Prosecuting Officer of Higher Court, 1st Demobilization Ministry, and Submission of Report to CIC: Oki left Fukuoka 17 Jan. for Osaka (death of sister) returned 28 Jan. Inada went to Tokyo 17 Jan. returned 29 Jan. At the Inspectorate of Demobilization, on 29 Jan, Inada told Oki that as a result of talks at the Tokyo Demobilization Ministry, it was said that the Minister would order the Higher Court to investigate the matter, that he brought back the copy of the report to be submitted to GHQ, of the Occupation Forces, which he gave to Akita. About 30 Jan. Lt. Gen. Shigeyoshi Suzuki, Prosecuting Officer of the 1st Demobilization Minister Higher Court arrived with his secretary, came to Oki’s Hirao quarters, stayed to 5 Feb. On the night of about 30 Jan. Suzuki showdd Oki his written orders, which included the following persons to be investigated; Fukushima, Ito, Tomomori, Sato, Kusumoto, Iteaono. Oki then said he would like to withhold his findings to prevent Suzuki from being affected by preconceived ideas and prejudices, that he had notes but would keep them. In the 1st of Feb. Akita said to Oki that the document he had was a copy of the Demobilization Ministry, PW Investigation Section, report for submittance to the Occupation Forces, that on its being submitted, Tokyo will apprise Fukuoka by telegram, whereupon Nishihara and Inada would submit a report in person to the Fukuoka CIC. |
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OKI - 12 - The report: Treatment of U.S. Flight Personnel in the Western District Army: a. Approximately 8 U.S. Flyers were executed about 20 June by headquarters personnel at WAH. b. Approximately B U.S, Flyers were executed about 12 Aug, in Aburayama by Headquarters Personnel. c. Approximately 15 U.S. Flyers were executed about 15 Aug. by headquarters personnel. Further that the Higher Court Proscuting Officer is making an investigation which is forthcoming. |
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Report from Chief Inspectorate of Demobilization Western District, to CIC Chief: A,B, and C, same as in above report. G. Assumes Akita wrote preface of report to CIC, from penciled characters. H. About 10. Feb. Inada said that he reported to Nishihara the appointment with the CIC chief. Nishihara asked who was involved; Oki said Sato. VI. Submission of 2nd Report to 1st Demobilization Ministry: About 2 Feb. 1946 Ito told Oki that about May 1945 there were 16 flyers, that Sato opined they should be executed without trial, he disagreed, suggested a trial, but when the documents were examined only 4 were suspected of violating International Law. On AM of 20 June, Ito was not at headquarters until 1500, when someone told him of the execution, and he went to the place, witnessing the decapitation of 4. He then asked Wamitsu (Wako) why they were killed, and he replied that Staff Section ordered it since approved by the CG (Yokoyama), Oki then asked if the 4 up for investigation were killed and Wamitsu (Wako) replied that they were, and that the explanation would be that they died in the bombing (atom) raid, which story originated in the Staff Section. That evening Ito stated that he reported to Yokoyama, who was with Isa, said "The flight personnel are considered as having died in a bombing." Yokoyama replied "Is that right." Oki asked Ito if it were not his responsiblity to halt the decapitation, and advise the CG by expressing his judgment so as to order a halt, and further, as senior prosecuting officer, to stop the execution so the prosecuting officer could continue his investigation, and since decapitation of flyers is a violation of established laws and constitutes homicide under Japaneese Law, why weren’t the Japanese soldiers who killed them court martialed. OKI - 13 - Ito said he didn’t think about this because he heard that the army CG gave permission, that it occurred in wartime, that he must be judged in the light of the feeling at the time, not dispassionately. Ito then said that since the central authorities specified that flight personnel suspected of having violated International Law were to be sent to the Military Tribunal, permission from the CG (Yokoyama) was unnecessary, but he believed that permission for executing without trial was obtained from the CG (Yokoyama), that Yokoyama was aware of the contents of his report when he submitted it in late afternoon of 20 June, that a report of 16 flyers dying in the bombing was submitted to the Minister of War in the name of Yokoyama, and there is no reason to believe he is ignorant. Ito then states that the communication between Yamie and Fukuoka was satisfactory, and no reason why the outcome of the flyers would remain unknown. About 10 Feb., after Tomomori returned from Fukuoka, Tomomori told Oki he went to the scene of the early August execution on the invitation of Itezono as an observer, thought the flyers had been sentenced by a Military Tribunal. He did not know how a death sentence is carriend out, that it is by firing squad, not decapitation, archer and karate, that Judicial Section Officers present with swords, that he was not a witness. |
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Conversation with Tomomori and Itezono about 11 Aug. Prior to 12 Aug., probably 7 or 8 Aug., Itezono told Tomomori that the flyers would be executed the next day, "do you wish to watch?" Tomomori, desiring to see a death sentence carried out said "Lets go." Itezono said he’d take his men, Tomomori said "all right" asked location and time, went to Aburayama the next day in the car, saw that archer and karate were being practiced but did not cause death, so he ordered they cease; he was an observer and not a witness. The above Tomomori submitted by note; Itezono submitted to Oki a note stating that in early August Aihara told him, that Sato states that the flyers would be punished the next day, "Will you go with your men?", whereupon he had it con firmed by Sato, who stated "Will you take your men and carry it out?n to which he agreed, apprised Yakumaru and Tomomori, his superiors, told the officers and POs of the commando unit, had them prepare for the execution. Itezono asked Yakumaru the next day, but he said he was not going, Tomomori said he was going later; Sato told Itezono that since he could not go, he wanted him to take charge of the execution. Tomomori arrived later, was saluted, and the executioners were 1st Lts. Otosu, Kuroki, Eguchi, POs Narasaki, Sadano, one officer from the Judicial Section, one unknown officer. Tomomori encouraged the executioners with whisky, gave a lecture after the execution. Itezono further states it was not manly of Tomomori to say he was merely an observer to avoid responsibility. Itezono believed the execution the result of a trial, ordered by the CG (Yokoyama). |
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OKI - 14 - Changes in the Report of Oki A check made on the Japanese execution by 6th Air Army would put the execution about 10 August. Because of protests by Ito (Oki’s superior) and Tomomori (an old acquaintance) Oki revised the report by deleting references to them, Oki rationalizing that Suzuki would correct it and that a detailed report would be submitted. Parts concerning Kusumoto were also deleted, since under Japanese law he was acting under orders from superiors and was .a conveyor of their orders. The part stating that Fukushima did not clearly say "permission not granted" was changed to read "Sato was not certain whether Maj. Gen. Fukushima said definitely that permission is not granted at the time, but thinking that the general had consented, it would conform to Fukushima's wishes." Itezono's section was not changed, since he took charge at the killing. Inada agreed, instructed Oki to add explanatory notes to all corrections. Inada approved the final draft, a copy was given to Akita to show to Nishihara, who returned it on Nishihara seeing it. |
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Revised Report to 1st Demobilization Minister It was requested that the previous report be discarded. The section stating the relation by Wamitsu (Wako) to Ito, and Ito’s responsibility and knowledge as legal officer was deleted and it was noted that Ito had previously said that he agreed to the execution but changed his story so that he went out on 20 June and only heard of the execution on his return so watched it, but since story doubtful, deleted. The date of the 2nd execution was changed from about 12 August to about 10 August. Tomomori was listed as a witness and so deleted as to him. The section as to Fukushima was changed in accordance with his wishes, i.e., that Sato was not certain that Fukushima gave permission as to the 15 August execution. |
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Contact of Oki with Suzuki Suzuki came from Tokyo the first part of March, stayed in Oki’s Hirao quarters, and Oki shewed him the notes written by Tomomori and Itezono, further related to him the summaries of statements by Ito, Tomomori, Itezono, Fukushima and Sato. The story of 8 sent to KIU being reported as sent to 2nd Army was declared to him as false. Suzuki was also told that no flyers remained when Yukino took over from Goiyama. About 5 March, there was a dinner of Nishihara, Oki, Inada, Akita, Ito, Suzuki, at Futsukaichi, and with Inada and Akita in Inada’s quarters, Oki said he did not know the particulars of the KIU case, but thought with the Suzuki investigation OKI - 15 - it would be disclosed. Inada said he wanted no voluntary exposition of KIU, although nothing could be done if the facts were disclosed, to which Akita agreed. Inada then suggested that the Occupation Forces might arrest them suddenly, so told Oki to dispose of the documents he accumulated and write revised summaries of the statements of each individual to be submitted when requested by the Occupation Forces, to show them to Akita. Oki then burned part of his notes, made revisions, and wrote the summaries. Instructions given by Inada and Akita were to not 1. enter Ito's name. 2. name the executioners 3. mention karate and archery incidents 4. enter names having no connection 5. enter KIU incident or the connection of 2nd Army 6. mention the letter which Sato said was sent by a high ranking officer to Military Police Headquarters,. Oki complied. Suzuki told Oki he did not know' of the 2nd report sent from Fukuoka; Oki described it. Suzuki went back after a 2 week stay, returned on about 20 March. Oki went to Tokyo on 19 March, returned 29 March. |
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Discussion of Oki with Lt. Gen. Fumeo Oyama at Tokyo about 23 March. Oki told him of the KIU incident, that it would be impossible to hide if an Occupation Forces investigation, to which Oyama said they would then have to tell the truth, but better not to voluntarily expose it. Further Activity at Fukuoka: In late March Inada told Oki that Suzuki said the CIC chief seemed ignorant of the KIU case, and thus he wouldn't disclose it. About the end of March Oki moved to quarters with Nishihara, who told him he didn't know the particulars of the investigation, didn’t care to know, and thought it was unnecessary for Oki to have the documents relating thereto in his possession, and Oki burned them, except one copy each of 1st and 2nd reports and summaries of Sato, Fukushima, Itezono and others,-with the revisions suggested by Inada. Oki reported this to Nishihara, Inada and Akita. In late March Akita asked Oki to list the executioners, he saying that the young officers wanted to take all responsibility, including that for the NCOs, and therefore the names of the NCOs should be withheld. OKI - 16 - Oki named the following for Akita: First Execution. Number executed. Capt. Wamitsu (Wako, Judicial 2 PO Onichi, Tamotsu 1 NCO, Staff Section 1 1st Lt. Toji 4 Second Execution. 1st Lt. Otosu 1 1st Lt. Kuroki 1 1st Lt. Eguchi 1 PO Narasaki 1 PO Sadano 1 Capt. Yoshida, Judicial 1 Unknown officer 1 Third Execution. 1st Lt. Amakine) 4 3 NCOs ) 1st Lt. Maida (Maeda) 2 2 NCOs ? 1st Lt. Nakayama 2 1st Lt. Hashiyama) ? 1 NCO & ) 1 Naval Ensign ) 5 Commando Unit Officers ? |