740.00116 PW/11–2745
The Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Vincent) to the Under Secretary of State (Acheson)
Subject: Designation of Judges to the Court for Trial of Japanese War Criminals
With reference to our conversation last week with Judge Keenan,11 I have talked to the Chinese Ambassador and with Sir George Sansom with regard to the designation of judges to the court for the trial of “Class A” Japanese war criminals. Both Ambassador Wei and Sir George stated that they knew of no reason for the delay in replying to our previous communications on this subject and said that they would get off telegrams today, urging their respective foreign offices to give replies.
I told them that it would be sufficient for our purpose now if they simply put forward the name of one judge and an alternate, rather than endeavoring to name a panel. I explained that Judge Keenan was drawing up regulations, rules, etc. for the prosecuting agency and that it was essential that in doing so he have some idea of the constitution of the court. I also explained that, in connection with the original request for a panel of judges, it was intended to have several [Page 976] courts to try Class A, B, and C war criminals but that we were anxious to move forward with the trial of “Class A” criminals and that the designation of a single judge and alternate would be sufficient for that purpose.
- Joseph B. Keenan, former Assistant to the Attorney General, was appointed on November 30 as Chief of Counsel for prosecution of war crimes charges against major Japanese leaders.↩