740.00116 PW/1–2446
The Department of State to the Canadian Embassy
Memorandum
In its memorandum of January 24, 1946, the Canadian Embassy made certain proposals regarding the participation of Canadian military personnel in the prosecution of Far Eastern war criminals in the area now controlled by United States forces, accused by Canadian military authorities of serious war crimes against Canadians.
The appropriate military authorities and the Department of State are in agreement in approving the proposals of the Canadian Government provided that the Canadian Government can make an officer available to sit on the military tribunals. Such officer would be in addition to any Canadian personnel participating in investigations or prosecutions. Based on a recommendation from General MacArthur, it is suggested that, in addition to the officer just mentioned, the Canadian Government send to Tokyo two other officers and an enlisted clerk and an enlisted stenographer. It is recommended that each of the three officers be possessed of legal backgrounds, that one be a lieutenant colonel or colonel, to sit as a member of the tribunals, and that the other two be majors, or of lesser rank, to assist in the investigations and prosecutions of crimes against Canadian nationals.
If the foregoing meets with the approval of the Canadian Government, it is suggested that the Canadian authorities get in touch with the appropriate War Department representatives to arrange details concerning transportation and other matters.50
- A Canadian note, No. 143, April 11, named the officers selected for service in the Far East (740.00116 PW/4–1146).↩