FAILURE TO PROSECUTE JAPANESE CRIMINALS DEBATED IN AUSTRALIA

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 March 1950, Page 5

FAILURE TO PROSECUTE JAPANESE CRIMINALS DEBATED IN AUSTRALIA

CANBERRA, March 20—Failure of the Australian Government to prosecute a number of alleged Japanese war criminals was debated in the House of Representatives today. The former Transport Minister. Mr. Ward, said the Government's decision smacked of appeasement toward Japan. "There appear to be elements in the world who want to build up Japan as a buffer against Russia in the event of future hostilities. The Prime-Min-ister, Mr. Menzies, in a recent statement failed to give any details of the numbers to be unconditionally released or pt the evidence collected against them. “Although Mr. Menzies might class some Japanese as minor criminals the Australian public might have a different view. There can be no justification for releasing war criminals unless they are tried. Let the tribunals make the decision." The Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Spender, accused the Labour Administration of gross dereliction of duty in the collection of evidence against alleged Japanese war criminals. "It was one of the most disgraceful incidents in the conduct of any Government. During the whole of 1949 and half of 1948 the Government took no action whatever, although there was pressure from General MacArthur. What humbug it is for Mr. Ward to suggest that this Government Is engaging in acts of appeasement. The previous Government was asked to conclude every possible prosecution by September, 1949. Every nation did so except this country.’’