Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1947-12-16

that he keenly realizes that no other
leader so high in a lost cause has
ever had such an opportunity to at
tempt to justify his actions to pos
terity.
Has Observed Tribunal.
For nearly 10 months he observed
the processes of the 11-nation tri-
bunal which is trying him and other
one-time top men of Japan on war
crimes charges. He has heard his
fellow defendants one by one given
the right to make full explanation
of their motives.
The effect on TOTO has been re-
markable. Once so sunk in humi-
liation that he tried to end his life
with a pistol shortly after the sur
render, he now exudes self con-
fidence and intends to be the only
witness in his own defense.
/ With meticulous care TOTO is
putting the finishing touches on a
60,000-Word statement scheduled to
be read to the court within the next
eight days.
TOTO intends to devote almost his
entire testimony to the period from
July %, 1910, when he took his first
political" position as war minister,
to July %, 1944-exactly four years
when he was ousted after guiding
Japan's wartime destinies as
premier, concurrently war minister
and for part of the time also chief
of the army general staff.
Answers Questions Freely.
TOTO talked freely when ques-
toned at Sugamo prison before the
trial opened April 20, 1916. Many
of his statements at that time,
admitting responsibility" for vari-
GUS acts, have been introduced in
evidence by the prosecution.
Since then his attitude has
changed.
This changed attitude is not
likely to be pleasing to the prosecu-
ton staff. The cross examination
by Associate Prosecutor John w.
Fihelley will likely be one of the
most important legal skirmishes in
the trial. Mr.. Fihelley recently re-
turned from his post as first assist
ant district attorney in Washing
ton, D. G. 1t was Mr.. Fihelley who
conducted the questioning of TOTO
at Sugamo prison in the spring
of 1916.
Most of Tojo's fellow defendants
have based their testimony on the
contention that they acted on orders
from higher authority. Since TOTO
was premier, he cannot make such
a plea, unless he involves the En-
peror, and this he does not intend
to do.
TOTO is fully aware that during
most of the war he was the head
man and cannot deny it; that as
war minister he precipitated the fall
of the cabinet which still held hope
of a negotiated settlement; that he
was the responsible head of the gov
eminent which launched surprise at
tacks on Pearl Harbor, Hong Kong,
Singapore and the Philippines.
Studied Warning Issue.
He has admitted that he studied
the question of advance warning and
approved delivering diplomatic notes
merely breaking off relations.
Besides, TOTO was war minister,
with the duty of caring for prisoners
and answerable for their mistreat-
ment.
He has told questioners that he
directed adoption of an ex-post
facto law under which three of the
Doohttle f1iers were executed.
TOTO also claims as his own the
idea of the Greater East Asia CO.
prosperity sphere.
All these things TOTO has init
mated he intends to explain in terms
designed to justify Japan and alb
solve the Emperor, even If he him.
self ends with the death penalty.
Mr.. Blewett said, however, that
TOTO has hope Of escaping the gall
lows-a hope he did not hold when
the trial began.