JAP WAR CRIMINALS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 224, 21 September 1945, Page 5

JAP WAR CRIMINALS

NO MACHINERY EXISTS FOR APPREHENSION

Recd. 9.40 p.m. Canberra, Sept. 20 No machinery exists for the apprehension of the Japanese war criminals except the major personages listed by General MacArJiur. Ministers admit that they know of no steps being taken to seize Japanese responsible for atrocities against Australians and others in the vast area policed by our forces. Japanese easily identifiable

as war criminals as at rocities are discovered are being allowed to disappear among the great mass of prisoners, probably to escape entirely punishment [or their savage crimes. When tabling Mr. Justice Webb’s report on atrocities the acting Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Makin, said instructions had gone to all Australian commanders to detain Japanese named in the war criminals list or suspected of war crimes, but the war criminals list is confined to major personages in Japan. There is no organisation to deal with minor offenders, and until machinery is provided that a Japanese may bo detained once he is identified as responsible for a war crime the criminals will continue to get away. Meanwhile the Government has not taken any action to correct the amazing position in Timor where Aua.ralian troops are slaving under a hot sun while Japanese work a leisurely live-hour day. Answering angiy protests by the deputy Loader of the Opposition, Mr. Harrison, in the House of Representatives about this state of affairs, Mr. Chifley said ho did not know if the reports were true but promised that inquiries would be made immediately. Mr. Chifley added that it had beeen made clear that the Government was anxious that all responsible for unspeakable brutalities on Australian prisoners of war should be punished. That is being done through the proper channels and in the proper way. There had been no deviation from the policy announced.