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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: dramadoc on Saturday 08 June 24 16:39 BST (UK)
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I have been trying to locate copies of the depositions made by British ex-POW's to the Japan War Crimes Tribunal after the end of the Second World War (in 1946 I think).
My father was a POW in Sakurajima Camp Osaka, from 1941 (fall of Hong Kong) to 1945.
He made a deposition to the Tribunal, which I believe he said was held in Aberystwyth. I recall seeing a copy of this many years ago, but sadly I can no longer find this.
I assume that depositions were kept, and that they have been archived somewhere, but I cannot seem to find any clue as to where this might be. I searched the War Museum and the National Archives, but nothing seemed to be listed in their collections.
I would be very grateful for any information on this.
Thank you.
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Since the International Military Tribunal for the Far East was financed and stage managed by the US Government, I think it is highly likely that the US National Archives will hold copies of all depositions and other evidence which was submitted to the Tribunal: US National Archives (https://historyhub.history.gov/military-records/b/military-records-blog/posts/records-of-the-international-military-tribunal-imt-at-nuremberg-in-the-national-archives-collection-of-world-war-ii-war-crimes-records-record-group-238)
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Thank you, that is very helpful.
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I am going to the National Library for Wales in Aberystwyth doing some Free 1921Census Research for myself tomorrow morning - I'll ask if they hold any Japan War Crimes papers held there. Nothing comes up in their catalogues online on its site. But that may be my poor Searching.
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Thank you very much. That's very kind of you.
I live in Kent, so the Library is not really accessible for me.
Your help is appreciated.
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I live in Aberystwyth and the National Library of Wales and just up the hill opposite me.
In there now - asked Researcher in the Archive Department and he did a Search of the Catalogues and like myself found nothing and had never heard of that subject in all his Years - so unlikely the Papers,were not held here.
I will try the Town Library Archive Department later as they hold lots of Records of events in Aberystwyth that I have used for my Local Research
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The Aberystwyth Town Library Archive Dept is the Ccunty Archive Dept for Ceredigion
Just spoke to the Head County Researcher and Explained what we were looking for.
She stated the Records were probably held by the Home Office Records in the National Archives under a 100 year embargo and not available for another 20 odd years - Sorry
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Thank you very much for checking this for me. I must admit I had not considered the 100 year embargo!
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I would imagine that a 100 year embargo was probably implemented because of the deals that both the Americans and Russians did with certain accused Japanese scientists, especially those who worked at Unit 731 in Harbin during the war. Immunity from prosecution was given to some in exchange for their records.