Statement Concerning Yoshinao Sato

Case
USA v. Kiyoharu Tomomori et al.
USA v. Teruo Akamine et al.
Statement Title Statement of Sato
Record Type Statement
Subject of Statement
Statement Provided By Sato

SATO, YOSHINAO

Statement of Sato (420, 26 April 1947) Confined Sugamo.

Yokoyama told Wako "It is all right to have the execution without mili­tary court-martial - later told Sato twice, "It is alright to execute them" - speaking of PWs. In Nov. 1945 Yokoyama told Sato to keep secret the fact that he had personally issued orders, that Sato and Fukushima should accept responsibility, which Sato agreed to, told Akita and Inada of facts.

In first part of May Wako asked Sato for permission to execute flyers without trial, on Sato’s suggestion saw Commanding General, came back in 10 minutes saying Commanding General agreed. Oki told Sato that he knew Commanding General had granted permission, he investigating in January 1946.

20 June execution: In first part of June, Commanding General told Sato it was all right to go ahead and execute the Prisoners - the 8 who were left after the operations and whom Wako had asked to execute. On 20 June Yokoyama again said Prisoners should be executed. Ito came to Headquarters, said execution would take place that afternoon. After execution, Ito reported to Commanding General, and Commanding General did not mention it, as he would have done if contrary to his desires.

On 7 August, after trip to Tokyo, Sato reported devastation to Commanding General at Yamaie, who said "Because of this report it is alright to execute the Prisoners."

Fukushima (Contrary to prior statement) was not present at. 12 August execution, Tomomori, active Chief of Staff was.

15 August execution: 16-17 August Fukushima called in all participants, and, according to Lt. Nakayama, stated, "I will bear all the responsibilities for this execution; there will be no trouble for you. For months after war, Fukushima carried 2 vials cyanic acid if truth would be disclosed.

Maeda, Akamine, Hashiyama (all 1st Lts.) were indignant that superior officers would not bear responsibility. Sato believes responsibility of 20 June and 12 August executions lie on Ito and Tomomori. Sato had told Lt. Gen. Suzuki the truth as to Commanding General.