Page 218 - MaterialsTrial-JapaneseArmy-1950

Answer: That is so.

Counsel Belov: When did you learn that the detachments had been formed in 1935-36 by
secret order of the emperor?

Accused Yamada: I learned of the exact date of this event from the testimony of witnesses
and accused.

Question: Could you, as Commander-in-Chief of the Kwantung Army, have terminated the
work of detachments 731 and 100 and disbanded these detachments?

Answer: The Commander-in-Chief of the Kwantung Army did not have the authority to
terminate the work of the detachments or disband them.

Question: What is now your attitude towards the deeds of which you have confessed
yourself guilty, and for which you have been brought to trial?

Answer: I must say that I consider all that I did an evil thing—I want to correct myself: I
consider it a very evil thing.

Question: May I, your counsel, understand your reply to mean that you repent of your
deeds?

Answer: Yes, I want it to be understood that way.

EVENING SITTING, DECEMBER 26
EXAMINATION OF ACCUSED NISHI

State Prosecutor: Accused Nishi, what positions did you hold in Detachment 731, and at
what times?

Accused Nishi: From January 1943 to July 1944, I was Chief of Detachment 731 's branch
in the -town of Sunyu. From July 1944 to July 1945, I was Chief of the Training Division of
Detachment 731.

Question: What did Detachment 731 do? What were its functions?

Answer: Most of the work of Detachment 731 was concerned with preparation for waging
bacteriological warfare.

Question: Which of Detachment 731's divisions were engaged in preparations for waging
bacteriological warfare?

Answer: The 1st, 2nd and 4th divisions conducted preparations for waging bacteriological
warfare.

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