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SATO, YOSHINAO Statement of Aihara (420, 26 Apr 47) Cont’d. Just prior to 2nd operation, Sato cautioned others of necessity of secrecy, which Aihara relayed to driver of car and guards. Sato then came over to truck, cautioned all. Prisoners then brought out, entrucked, blindfolded, and Komori, Sato, and Prisoners left. That morning - 5-6 days after 1st operation, Sato asked for roster, picked out about 3 names, which information Aihara gave to Goiyama. 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. 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. Arrived about 1500, operation already started, believed operation on head. Sato, Komori, 6-7 others there. 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. About 15-20 August Sato told Aihara story would be that KIU victims killed at Hiroshima. Afterwards Sato told Aihara many times to conceal matter. Sato told Aihara of execution on 20th, that LS members to participate. Believes there was talk between Sato and LS. June 20 execution: Sato and Ito were standing together watching. Roster burned with other papers, on Sato’s orders. Sato ordered Aihara to prepare roster of those sent to University, those executed 20 June, brought it to Yakumaru. Sato in charge of said room (Members of Air Defense Operations room), with 1st Lt. Akamine and Madea as subordinates. In last 10 days of August Sato ordered Aihara to go to Hiroshima to make arrangements about 9 Prisoners, Aihara refused, but Sato insisted. At Hiroshima Aihara talked to Maj. Yoshikawa at headquarters, gave him orders from Sato. Yoshikawa at first refused, then agreed since order of Sato. |
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Statement of Akita (420, 22 May 47) Akita also had limited supervision over: Col. Yoshinao Sato - charge of Air Defense and Air Intelligence Section. Akita believes all correspondence from Sato and Yakumaru went thru him to chief of staff, sure of 10; Sato sometimes came to Akita for advice. In January 1946 heard from Sato that Komori had experimented on PWs. |