740.00116 PW/1–1346: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Charge in the Soviet Union (Kennan)
priority
77. Urtel 123, January 12. Joseph B. Keenan, Assistant Attorney General in charge of Criminal Division, Dept. Justice, 1933–1936, Assistant to Attorney General, 1936–1939 (third ranking officer, Justice Dept.), in private practice since 1939, was designated by President to be Chief of Counsel for prosecution of war crimes in Far East. Keenan functions and derives his authority by virtue of his appointment as Chief of International Prosecution Section at Supreme Commander’s Headquarters. Section presently consists of approximately 40 American civilian members Keenan’s staff.
China, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, and Australia have nominated associate prosecutors, and in some instances assistants, and France and the Netherlands have indicated their nominations will be made shortly.
Present expectation entire court and prosecuting staff will be able speak English. Please reiterate Supreme Commander’s request that Soviet Judge and Associate Prosecutor be so equipped.
[Page 390]Preparation of list of defendants and the indictment in trial of criminals to be charged with crimes against the peace is presently being considered by International Prosecution Section. It is expected that the several Associate Prosecutors will contribute to this consideration with view to submitting list of defendants and the indictment to be approved by Supreme Commander.