EXPENSIVE FAILURE

Chronicle (Levin), 2 August 1948, Page 5

EXPENSIVE FAILURE

(N.Z.P.A.-

-Reuter

Japanese War Crpes Trials Criticised

, Copyright)

Received Monday, 9.45 a.m. NEW YORK, August 1. The Japanese war crimes trials have been an expensive failure a,nd no sentences imposed will dter Japanese opinion that Gen7 iral Tojo made a strong case for lapan, and ably defended Japan's actions, according to an article . rom Tokio by Mr. Frank White in che Herald-Tribune's Sunday magazine. Mr. White, who was the onl'y correspondent to cover the trials from beginning to end, says that whatever precedents in international law are set by the findIngs, the effect . on the Japanese has been completely contrary to che purpose of the hearings. Tojo's Lary — his wily evasions under cross-examination — was given front page play and more space in ihe Japanese newspapers than any event since the occupation. For reasons still obscure, General MacArthur has failed to provide an expert public relations staff to handle the outflow of news to the Japanese Press, and a wonderful propaganda opportunity for ihe Allies was lost for lack of intelligent handling. There has been more than a little evidence, :oo, that the Japanese bureaucrats have lent ample aid to the defendants. Time after time the prosecution was unable to find important evidence which should have been ■n the flies, while the defence was able to produce a surprisingly large \mount of material when it was needed. The trial has wound up as one .f the most expensive propaganda ailures ever charged to the Am'erin taxp^'^rs.