Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

740.00116 PW/4–2646: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to Certain American Diplomatic and Consular Officers⁷²

secret

Washington, April 26, 1946—5 p.m.

Far Eastern Commission “Directive on Apprehension Trial Punishment War Criminals in Far East”⁷³ sent SCAP for implementation. SCAP to arrest and bring all war criminals to trial before special international military courts or tribunals⁷⁴ which he is to appoint from nominees by FEC member states. SCAP to arrest nationals United Nations who desired by their govts as quislings. Directive specifically excludes any action against Emperor pending receipt special directive re his treatment.

Acheson

72. At Bangkok, Batavia, Nanking, Saigon, and Singapore.
73. For Far Eastern Commission policy decision on this subject of April 3, see Department of State Publication 2888, Far Eastern Series 24 (Washington. September 1947): Activities of the Far Eastern Commission, Report by the Secretary General, February 26, 1946–July 10, 1947, p. 97.
74. For text of an indictment against 28 Japanese leaders, lodged with the International Military Tribunal at Tokyo on April 29, see United Nations War Crimes Commission document C 197, May 27, London, printed in Department of Stale Publication 2613, Far Eastern Series 12: Trial of Japanese War Criminals.