Page 80 - MaterialsTrial-JapaneseArmy-1950

regarded as one of them at that time. Also, Ishii pointed out that all the great powers were
carrying on corresponding work in this sphere and that Japan must not lag behind in this
field.

Question: What organization existed in Manchuria prior to Detachment 731 and carried out
tasks and functions similar to the duties of Detachment 731?

Answer: As I know from talks with Colonel Oota, the Chief of the General Division of
Detachment 731, and with other colleagues, General Ishii was in Manchuria in 1932-33 (I do
not remember the exact date) and conducted bacteriological research. Ishii's activity centred
in the vicinity of the settlement of Hainga (near the city of Harbin), where were located his
personnel, comprising a detachment which for purposes of secrecy bore the code name of
Togo.

This detachment (its size I do not know) engaged in research on means of bacteriological
warfare. For this purpose the Togo Detachment had been outfitted with the necessary
equipment. It is easy to understand that the Togo Detachment conducted work on a smaller
scale than Detachment 731. Subsequently it was with this detachment as the core that General
Ishii formed Detachment 731 of the Kwantung Army.

The record has been read to me in Japanese. It has been taken down from my words
faithfully, which I confirm by my signature.

Kawashima

INTERROGATORS

Military Prosecutor, Member of the staff

Captain of Jurisprudence BELYUGA of the Office of the Ministry

for Internal Affairs

for the Khabarovsk Territory,

Senior Lieutenant BRAVE,

Interpreter PL YACHENKO

EXCERPT FROM RECORD OF INTERROGATION
OF KAWASHIMA KIYOSHI

October 23, 1949 City of Khabarovsk

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