ALL JAP CRIMINALS TO BE TAKEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 225, 22 September 1945, Page 5

ALL JAP CRIMINALS TO BE TAKEN

AUSTRALIA’S INTENTION INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CHIEF OF THE ARMY Recd. 9.35 p.m. Canberra, Sept 21 A denial ihat no machinery existed for the apprehension of Japanese war criminals, except major persons listed by General MacArthur was given in the House of Representatives to-ciay, by the acting Minister cf Ex’.ernai Affairs. Mr. Makin. He said General Blarney had been instructed, several weeks ago, to seize Japanese responsible for atrocities in Australian-controlled areas. These instructions were being carried out, declared the Minister of the Army, Mr. Forde, but neither Minister gave specific instances of arrests having been made. Mr. Makin said the Prime Ministei, Mr. Chifley, made it clear on September 6. that persons charged by Mr. Justice Webb, in his report to the War Crimes Commission, had been placed on "list A” for immediate apprehension by the military authorities.

‘‘As new atrocities come to light with the release of Australian prisoners of war and internees, provision is made for them to be dealt with,” said Mr. Makin. "It is quite competent for any Australian authority, military or otherwise, to take steps to obtain evidence against persons believed to be responsible for atrocities, and, where possible, to detain such persons. Instructions to that .effect were given by the Government to General Blarney ‘some weeks ago.”

Mr. Forde said the Australian War Crimes Commission had made representations to him that all Japanese commandants and staffs of prisoner-of-war camps in areas controlled by the Australian forces should be detained. The Government, however, had already given instructions to ah Australian commanders that such persons should be detained until a method of bringing them to triai could be finally determined.