740.00116 P.W./11–1945
The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch no. 58, November 17, 1945, in regard to the question of the war guilt of Prince Konoye, and to enclose a copy of a memorandum7 in regard to the war guilt of Marquis Kido, presently Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, written by Mr. E. H. Norman of the Canadian Legation. As mentioned in the despatch under reference, Mr. Norman, who is author of The Emergence of Japan as a Modern State, is serving temporarily as head of the Research and Analysis Section of the Office of the Chief Counter Intelligence Officer of General Headquarters. His memorandum was prepared for Headquarters and has been submitted to General MacArthur.
Marquis Kido’s position as Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal at the time of the selection of General Tojo as Prime Minister and his continuance in office following the attack on Pearl Harbor would seem to be sufficient to establish his responsibility in connection with the war against the United States, Great Britain and the Netherlands.
As previously reported, a plan is now underway in the Government for the abolition of the position of Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and Marquis Kido has publicly indicated his intention of divesting himself of his title of nobility and of “descending” to the status of a “commoner.” Following the abolition of his position we shall expect, unless strong reasons to the contrary develop out of the anticipated early arrest of some thirty-five Japanese war criminal suspects, to recommend to General MacArthur that Kido be arrested for investigation and trial as one of the Japanese leaders guilty of crimes against peace.
Respectfully yours,
- Dated November 8, not printed.↩