During the Second World War War the Japanese captured...
...and they owned most of it of Southeast Asia.
In the little-known Indonesian island of ’bon...
1000 km north of Australia, the Japanese they set up a POW camp.
1100 Australian soldiers were captured in Bonn, in February 1942.
When the Japanese surrendered in Sept '45 less than 300 were alive.
91 Japanese officers and soldiers were accused of war crimes.
A I H M A L O T O I T O Y H L I O Y
- Here is; - Yes Yes.
Sergeant! You're done with it.
Okay, here it is. Get started!
Dig in!
Prisoners of Ikegiuchi.
- Dig in! - Dig in!
The rest come from here, forward. come on, move.
- Move! - Dig in!
Dig!
Go, hurry, hurry!
Go ahead, dig in! Power up!
- Dig in! - Dig, you worthless!
That's it.
- I want pictures of everything. - Sir.
I mean, everything.
"Let's go, let's go"! Stop digging!
Max...
Sergeant...
Show me this.
Give this mess a hand.
Get out of there!
Turn him upside down.
God and Lord!
Killer seat!
Dig up the corpse. And be careful with that.
Keep going!
- Dig in! - Dig in!
Smarties!
Stupid prisoners!
Get that thing out of there.
Who gives you trouble?
Keep going!
Tan Toi POW camp. Bon Island, Indonesia.
December 1945.
I played football with this guy.
EXAMINATED DEAD
Think what she must have been through.
But for Christ's sake, did he have a good death
- Bad guys. - Mitchell?
Still, in the hospital.
- Robert Shearer. - Repatriated.
- Robert Kilson. - Repatriated.
Robert Simmons. - Simpson...
- According to this, he is still missing. - Simmons, S-i-m-m-o-n-s.
He was repatriated 2 days ago.
- My God, what are they trying to do to me? - We still have the affidavits.
Yes, but I can't put a deposition on the witness stand,
...and say: "this is the guy who crushed him to the wood".
Frank, it's going to be a little difficult to conduct these trials, without witnesses.
We are not here for revenge, but to give them a fair trial.
Captain, this is Mr. Sandy of the Sydney Herald.
Captain Cooper is the Prosecutor. Thanks, George.
- I heard that a group of the press was coming. - You see her in front of you.
Sorry, Major, that can to wait. We will be back.
- See you, Mr. Captain. - Thank you, Mr. Cindy.
This soldier Mitchell who we have in the hospital.
I'll put him on the bench, he's the my only witness against Takahashi.
The Chief Physician gave permission for Mitchell's repatriation.
I can not do anything. in peace!
Delayed repatriation. I won't need him for long.
I can not do it.
For the Sector, in Tokyo. Anyway, we still don't have...
...Takahashi, therefore your position she is an academic.
I would have him if it wasn't for that constant bureaucracy with the Yankees.
We have full cooperation from the Americans.
You were promised Takahashi and you will have him.
Meanwhile, grit your teeth to Ikeyuchi..."Break" No2.
Give me witnesses on the bench and I will "break" him, I will tear him to pieces.
Bob...
The war is over. We are lawyers, not soldiers.
- Yes. - Captain...
Four more airmen are missing in the area.
Fenton, Smith, O'Donnell and Rogers.
- Were they captured? - I do not know.
Because there are no airmen at all in the POW camp?
Good question. We'll talk to Mitchell.
Sir, Mr. Matsugae he is waiting to see you.
- Who is Matsugae? - The Japanese defense attorney.
- Captain. - Mr. Matsugae, can this wait?
- I have a plan, Captain. - I understand.
I have no witnesses to cross-examine in defense of my clients.
These deposits. I cannot review a deposit.
I'm trying to find witnesses, Mr. Matsugae.
You better reach out to Major Roberts.
It is the Accusing Authority for these trials.
I spoke with Major Roberts, but I'm afraid it didn't help me much.
I was hoping that...you could you talk to him on my behalf.
So, I'll see what I can do? Something else;
Also, the defendants did not they understand the presumption of innocence.
It's no different in Japan. You should explain to them that here...
...that they are presumed innocent until to be proven guilty.
Yes, but they don't understand that.
Also, in Japan, they have no contact with defense counsel before trial.
They are very suspicious of me.
I understand your problem but I will you have to adapt, Mr. Matsugae.
Unless, of course, they want to go in there and plead guilty...
...which in this case we can let's pack up and go home.
Well, excuse me. I have work to do.
I can't be Defense and Accusative.
Motionless.
Takahashi's staff. Check again the chain of command in Tokyo.
I already did, sir. They fight it.
We can have an Officer of the Judiciary, where is it?
Simada...the Americans don't like us they have delivered him yet.
And the rest of the officers? Transfers, Supply, where is it?
- He is in custody. - Find them.
He's in Japan, sir.
I don't even care if you don't eat. Find them, Jack?
I learned that you have 100 defendants on the bench at the same time.
- It will be a nice sight, Captain. - That's why we live and hope.
Jack Corbett. Cindy of the Herald.
- Nice. - Good morning.
Everyone back home they support you, of course.
They scream for blood.
We need to get this case right. Why don't you talk to Mr. Matsugae?
Presumption of innocence?
I can't say it will sell several sheets of newspaper.
- Very well. - Good morning.
Captain.
Private Mitchell, I'm Captain Cooper. I need your help.
You say you eavesdropped on Takahashi discusses executions with Ikeyuchi.
Was it a direct order?
Did Takahashi really order executions?
When did it happen;
Was it 1943?
In 1944?
Try to remember the month.
- For God's sake, Bill! - Trials!
Cursed trials!
You don't want to judge him the bastard in court.
You wouldn't try to put it on the wall.
- How are you; - Sorry, we have to question him.
- I'm just doing my job. - You are not allowed to be here!
- I'll do it in a minute. - This patient is my responsibility...
- ...and I ask you to leave, Captain. - And what should I do?
I have to prosecute to the bastards who did this.
And I have to make sure that this the child will be on the plane tomorrow.
Do you know how many witnesses I have?
Let him sleep too let him go home
These kids have been through a lot. Out!...both of you!
Have a good travel My friend.
It's all right, Jimmy. Here I am.
Fenton...you didn't say Fenton was he one of the airmen?
This is Jimmy Fenton, sir. He was not a pilot, captured in '42.
Sir!
From Major Roberts, sir.
- Takahashi? - It was about time.
Thanks.
Thank you very much.
I found out you were in the hospital yesterday, Bob.
I imagined it, I just put it the Chief Physician to prevent you.
Stay away from the hospital.
Good morning.
- Major Roberts. - Major Beckett.
- I'm bringing Takahashi. - Who is the American?
I do not know.
- How was the flight; - Very big.
Captain Cooper, this way Major Beckett.
The Chief Link of the Supreme Administration for the Trials of War Criminals.
Captain Cooper, the officer of the Accusing Authority.
- Major. - You have taken on a great job here.
Major Beckett is here as an observer.
- Truth; - Yes.
Any little help for the main show in Tokyo.
- Major... - See you later.
Well, it seems to me guilty enough.
Here, Major. And you, Bob.
We have to organize the work.
Great trip...15 hours.
It's a long way from Tokyo, still for the C-47, dear.
Well...
We fought together, we will be able to let's clarify and peace, together.
A Takahashi conviction will bring us closer to the Emperor.
What?...I mean you don't know?
Hirohito was granted amnesty from all persecution.
What are you talking about; Who "luminary" thought of this?
It's very simple, Captain. You use the conquered leaders
...Efficiently, otherwise everything will fall apart.
We will not sacrifice the Japanese leaders. We will use them.
I mean, look at Europe next the First War.
Germany was humiliated. This was a mistake...a bad mistake.
Looks like you've retracted yours also from this persecution.
I hate to think not we could learn from our mistakes.
You think more between the lines than the British did in India.
That's right, a handful of British puppets they ruled the Indians for many years.
- The British rush. - And Japan?
And the American rush?
You are not dealing with a westerner culture, Mr. Major.
Japanese history is barbaric. Look what they did!
If you don't humiliate them guys, nothing will change.
Well, you should to understand politics.
I'll keep that in mind, Major.
...when I will persecute some fanatics who have sworn in the name of the Emperor,
...to wipe us all out from the face of the earth.
Captain.
My name is Shinosuke Matsugae.
I am a law professor at Meiji University.
I have been appointed as your defense attorney.
The war is over and we face...
...a difficult situation here on the island of ’bon.
I will do everything possible to ensure...
...that you will have a fair trial.
I am asking all of you...
...don't hide the truth,
...and behave with dignity.
The Emperor himself would like,
...all his officers Imperial Navy,
...to cooperate against during the trial.
Regardless of grade...
Please tell the truth.
Long live the Emperor!
Free.
So you teach at Meiji University?
Yes, I have been there for 8 years.
Sir.
There is something I would like to discuss.
There is nothing to discuss.
Murderers!
Kill them!
Bastards!
- Back off. - Animals, you killed my brother.
Kill them!
Do not enter here. Back off.
Back off, please.
Back off!
When you get a chance, get in touch with Tokyo, maybe they have something for us.
I already did, sir.
If we don't get hold of someone from Takahashi's staff...
...we won't have a good time here.
Silence!
Calm down!
I hereby summon the Australian Military court for war crimes in Bonn
...under the Australian Act on war criminals of 1945.
The accused are accused according to Chapter 3...
...of the Australian War Act, for willful and harmful conduct...
...and the killing of prisoners of war.
What are you declaring?
"Muzai"...Innocent.
Innocent.
To keep order.
Sergeant, install all spacers and close the doors.
You swear that all the evidence that you will give this room...
...it's just the truth the truth;
Swear.
Vice Admiral Takahashi.
You were in charge of his Headquarters Imperial Japanese Navy...
- ...on the island of ’bon? - Yes.
But the 20th Guards Unit was in charge for the POW camp.
It was all in the hands of Captain Ikeyuchi.
Vice Admiral, how do you explain the...
...mass grave found in Laha?
I don't know anything about them the soldiers.
- But you have seen the graves. - Yes.
300 Australians...
Some decapitated, the rest they were stabbed to death.
You were a commander in February 1942.
Captain Ikeyuchi was under your orders.
Who ordered them to be killed these men?
I don't know anything about them the men.
Rear Admiral, these men was on the island.
But it never was in the POW camp.
Now, to all those juries deposits, there is no report.
What happened to these men?
And the choice is very simple.
Either you, ordered your men...
...to execute them the 300 prisoners of war.
Or issued an order to don't do it.
You were the officer in charge. You were in charge.
I don't know anything about them the men.
I have here a deposit from Private G. Mitchell.
I'm sure you remember Private Mitchell.
He had been assigned the duties of the gardener, in your home.
Private Mitchell spoke Japanese.
Declares...
...that he overheard you talking about executions with Captain Ikeyuchi.
He is lying!
Objection, Mr. President.
Private Mitchell does not appear in the court.
Private Mitchell can't to be reviewed, if not here.
How well did he speak Japanese?
Captain Cooper?
- I do not know. - Accepted.
Rear Admiral...
What did you do to those arrested? Australian airmen?
If the airmen had been shot down and arrested...
...they would have gone in the POW camps.
It was not Japanese practice to perform captured airmen?
I am not aware of any such practice.
Unless, of course, they had violated International Law.
And in such a case they would go through a Military Court.
What happened to your Administration files, Mr Vice Admiral?
They were destroyed during the many airstrikes.
Air raids amazing precision...what did you do?
You put a sign on the ceiling that said: "Please bomb here?"
- Objection! - Captain Cooper, is this relevant?
Yes, it is, sir.
This Court Martial of Australian Airmen...
For which we do not have no files...
Exactly how many airmen went through Court-martial, Rear Admiral?
I don't know of any Australians airman to be arrested in ’bon.
I'm sorry, sister.
- Do you have a patient named Fenton? - Jimmy Fenton?...yes.
can i talk to him
I'm afraid he's not well right now, sir.
When will I be able to talk to him?
Jimmy Fenton has hardly said word in the last 4 months.
What is the problem;
Four Australian airmen were shot down here.
I know it sounds dumb but one his name was Fenton, Eddie Fenton.
- Hello sir. - What We Have Here;
Four more from Tokyo, sir.
Okay, back to the side.
SAILMAN SUZUKI TOMATSU
Okay, man.
Next.
Okay, back to the side.
And other guards...
What we need is the staff of Takahashi, the Judicial Officer.
Simada...
This is the guy who can confirm Takahashi's orders.
We can find the Transfers officer.
Maybe he can solve the puzzle of lost files.
- It's not a puzzle, Jack. - Captain.
- Do you have a minute? - Of course.
Take a look at this.
“Bastards…leave Eddie alone. Where's Eddie?"
- Who said that? - Jimmy Fenton.
I asked around. He had a brother, Edward.
Aviation.
Eddie Fenton.
- Look in the airmen's file. - That's great, thank you.
- None of your business, Cindy. -What was their last radial position
...which they tried to do contact with the civilized world?
- I have better things to do. - Major Roberts said to be here.
- Very kind of him. - North of Kaikoula.
3 degrees, 32' South. 128 degrees, 5' East.
- They did the last show. - Here he was.
- Close to the island. - Which date;
- July '44. - If Jimmy was here...
...then Eddie should to be on the island.
- Wake them up. - Welcome.
- The files, Jack. - I got them.
Thanks.
Get moving.
Move!
Do you recognize these men?
Don't play dumb, Tojo. Answer the question.
No.
Captain!
- I have to protest. - Captain, what are you doing?
A beautiful, strong, mass interrogation, Frank.
Defendants have the right to appears as a defense attorney during the interrogation.
You wanted to see me.
Do you recognize these men?
You don't have to answer, Mr. Vice Admiral.
I can't be of use to you.
That was it. You're done, Captain.
In my office, now. You too, Mr. Matsugae.
I will turn the island upside down. I will find them.
Leave him to me. I'll be his leech.
Put them to sleep.
The spectacle is over. Let's go to sleep.
Move!
- Well, you heard the man. - Forward!
So if you have proof, where is it? If you haven't, stop kidding yourself.
I'm not here.
- Where are the bodies? - I do not know.
If you were caught in the 'bon, they were killing you weren't they?
- How do you know this; - Because they are not alive,
...we did not send them home and they are not in the list that they died in the camp.
Oh my god! Why are you chasing ghosts...
...since you have the hard evidence of mass graves?
- Over 300 corpses. - There are no witnesses, no records.
But four airmen were shot down in July 1944...
...and one of them has a brother in this hospital.
You make a mistake that you shouldn't to make a lawyer.
You lose your objectivity.
Don't patronize me, Major! For God's sake!
Takahashi and Ikeyuchi, the unique ones senior officers, were here in 1942.
And Takahashi will say that someone else slaughter the 300, and he will spare her.
You can't go to court with "probably" and "maybe".
Was I clear, Captain?
Absolutely, sir.
And I order you to apologize by Mr. Matsugae.
I apologize, Mr. Matsugae.
Thank you, Mr. Captain.
We're done, Captain.
Maybe those airmen they weren't even arrested.
Maybe they died when it was shot down their plane.
- Have you considered this, Captain? - No, I don't have it, Major.
I thought you weren't here.
How is it going;
Dress...
Truth.
Vice Admiral...
What was your first action when you took command of ’bon?
I called a meeting with everyone my officers.
I told them that Japan has none sign the Geneva Convention...
...for the treatment of the prisoners.
But I insisted...
...to treat them like if we were
So, your orders were...
You men, be respectful the International Law.
- Yes. - Objection!
This island is governed by regulations of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
I withdraw the question.
Rear Admiral...
You spent some time in England.
Oh, yes.
I got my law degree... at the University of Oxford.
And you entered the service, did you just come back to Japan?
Yes...in the Navy.
You are the only Japanese member of it European Golf Club.
Objection! about the case.
Vice Admiral Takahashi wasn't here for to improve his golf handicap.
Silence!
These items are required to get an idea...
for the conduct of Mr. Takahashi against the Australian prisoners.
The objection is rejected. Please continue.
Rear Admiral...
I want you to think about this, very carefully.
How do you explain the corpses of the prisoners in mass graves?
I was not present when the Australians were delivered to the ’bon.
I was away at a meeting in Manila.
It's in the archives.
Captain Ikeyuchi was here.
But he never told me that...
...there were such mass graves.
You should ask him, the details...
...about what happened to those men.
I know, that during of my management...
...we buried captives, who had die of tropical diseases.
Or they had been killed during of allied airstrikes...
...with my own men.
I am very upset by this. But I know now...
It seems that it does not bring at all honor to my administration.
But I can't to become responsible...
...for actions taken during my absence.
Don't you see where Takahashi is going with this?
"It was not me."
“Captain Ikeyuchi did command in the camp".
"For the beatings and executions, Ikeyuchi was responsible."
"I saw nothing, I heard nothing."
No executions.
Look man, when I find more data on executions...
...and I tell you I intend to find them, you will be charged for everything.
Takahashi will "bury" you.
And your only defense is that there was nothing!
We found 315 bodies!
No executions.
What's your problem; Look, it's not going to work.
They were executed...
And he wasn't here.
He was here as I say or wasn't it?
You don't understand the Japanese race.
Your problem is that you don't understand anything else.
The Japanese officers... Very strong.
The Japanese Vice Admiral... Very powerful.
He blames Japanese officers for executions.
No executions.
I have met in my life sitters, but he takes responsibility.
It's futile, isn't it?
Why an American of the Office War crimes...
...brings Takahashi down here so we can prosecute him?
To make sure that will he not be condemned?
I told you. Roberts doesn't have it authorize this.
Just ignore the rules pretend you can't see for 5 minutes.
That's not the rules which worries me.
Look at him.
I just want to show him some photos.
2 minutes, no more.
Jimmy...
I want you to see something.
Turn your eyes.
Come on, who is it?
Jimmy!
Captain, you were present at the execution of the 300 POWs on the runway at Laha?
I don't know anything about executions.
I am submitting details from autopsies performed on the corpses...
...of the men who were unearthed from the mass graves.
Reports indicate that they were beheaded or speared to death.
Now, Captain...
You or Vice Admiral Takahashi...
...ordered the execution of these captives?
I don't know anything about executions.
How do you explain the 300 corpses then? Mass suicide, you say?
Captain Cooper.
- Do you recognize these men? - Captain Cooper...
There is evidence to show that these men, may...
- Yes! - You say that, you recognize them.
- I was kicked out last night... - I did not mean that.
- These men were here. - Objection!...Objection!
- What did you do to them? - Captain Cooper!
How come not one survived Aussie aviator in ’bon?
We know they fell planes near here.
- Objection! - Not these 4, any airman.
Captain Cooper!
Any other questions, Captain?
No, sir.
Miss Matsugae?
No question.
I suggest a break until it is done research in the Tokyo archives.
Research for what?
Records of military courts held in this area...
...between 1942 and... of tradition.
- Whose courts-martial, Captain? - Of the captured pilots, sir.
Objection!
Rejected!
I also have warrants for key members of Vice Admiral Takahashi's staff.
Wherever it is, they will be transported after escort.
The Court adjourns for 24 hours as...
...the request of the Prosecutor's Office it is valid.
"The day I went to Palm Beach for a walk...
...we boarded a double-decker bus which passed through Winid.
And there was a clear, strong breeze with a wonderful view...
...especially the ports, opposite the bridge.
They say they see people doing boating on the bridge and the harbors...
...but you can't anyway, really, jimmy.
It really is so wonderful.”
Good morning.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Captain Cooper...
The Allied Supreme Headquarters in Tokyo, cannot guarantee...
...the presentation of the files which you requested, in due time.
Also, it seems that the Prosecutor's Office could not locate...
...one of the staff of Vice Admiral Takahashi.
Currently.
For these reasons we cannot to accept your request for postponement.
The Prosecutor's Office wishes to summon others witnesses in the case against Takahashi?
Which witnesses, Major Roberts?
- Mr. Matsugae? - Defense also completed.
Mr. Advocate, go ahead in the final purchase.
Rear Admiral Takahashi...
He is a man special characteristics.
Studied at one of the best universities of England.
The next one.
Pockets.
Party for a photo shoot.
Stand with your back to the wall.
Hold the property.
TANAKA HIDEO TRANSMISSION OFFICER
Turn to the side.
The evidence of brutality which were submitted...
...through the affidavits of Australian prisoners,
are now of paramount importance, since the discovery of the mass graves,
...on the runway in Laha.
And the fact that neither an Australian aviator...
listed as missing in this area...
He didn't survive.
The question...
It's who's to blame.
The Defense...
That these acts were committed by Captain Ikeyuchi.
It fails to deliver to Vice Admiral Takahashi...
...responsibility for actions of his subordinates.
It is not necessary to prove that ordered the death of these captives.
Because it is clear that he alone he had the power to prevent her.
This man...
With so many qualifications...
He is highly educated.
In the top tier of Japanese society.
This "honest" man...
He commanded a camp with the largest death rate in the entire war.
The Prosecutor's Office requests as Vice Admiral Takahashi...
...receive the most severe strong penalty.
"This afternoon, the Vice Admiral Baron Takahashi...",
"...which was accused of mass murders and ill-treatment..."
"...Australian prisoners of war which was under his management..."
"...on the island of ’bon."
"1400 km north of Australia..." Party.
"...he was acquitted of all charges". Perfect.
He is guilty.
- I think it was a right decision. - Of course you think so.
Why didn't we get the files from tokyo?
That wasn't the deal, was it? Let's get Takahashi but no records.
I understand your frustration, but the "Takahashi case" was closed.
No, dammit, it didn't close.
You still have the real bastard to persecute, Ikeyuchi.
The same thing will happen. We have 300 bodies and no witnesses.
Because you couldn't wait until to locate the 4 airmen?
Because you don't have them. Because they are ghosts.
Are you concerned with justice? This is justice.
Prosecute Ikeyuchi. Referred to in every affidavit.
And it really is, a beast.
People back home will be happy. The Army will be happy.
The whole world will rejoice. You will too the job you came to do.
This is not justice. It's politics.
Very few men have the opportunity to contribute to such a thing.
- Sir... - People are watching, Bob.
Don't waste it all bypassing some rules.
We only have them.
You believe this, don't you?
You really believe that!
Captain... we have him. The Communications Officer.
He's waiting for us in the interrogation room.
Maybe he knows something for aviators.
Lieutenant Tanaka, you were the officer Transfers under Baron Takahashi?
Answer the question, Lieutenant.
Yes, I was one of the three.
Did you send or see signals about military court of prisoners of war on the island?
I should, I think so.
It was Japanese practice to send badge for each court martial?
I don't know, I sent those signals for which I was ordered.
Have you ever hijacked shows by allied planes?
Yes, we were down from constant attacks.
- Do you remember a specific flight? - July 24, 1944.
We think the plane must have fallen near you.
- No. - Think again...
In July 1944 the island was not found under heavy air attack.
One, specific flight. Identification.
It's definitely hard to remember a specific flight, Captain.
Answer the question, Lieutenant.
A lot has happened, since I left here.
I lived in Nagasaki, when the war ended.
The Lieutenant lost his parents and three sisters in the atomic explosion.
Understood.
Is a waste of time.
You intend to press charges against of Lt. Tanaka, Mr. Captain?
- No, for now. - Since Lieutenant Tanaka...
surrendered of his own free will, in opposition with the other accused...
...I formally request that he be allowed to return to his homeland.
Yes OK.
No, wait. Hold him.
Lieutenant Tanaka can be of use in the case against Captain Ikeyuchi.
As long as this mess continues.
Caution!
Jimmy, what is it?
Is that Eddie?
It's Eddie, isn't it?
Hello, Christian.
You know what has to be done.
Cooper knows nothing. Neither does anyone else.
We are all very safe.
Therefore, talk to no one.
He's right, you know.
Why did you surrender?
You could be free In Japan.
There is no escape now. You know that, don't you?
It's not worth running like wild beasts.
We will never be able to to be truly free like this.
We should hold our foreheads up.
Don't worry, Noburo. Everything will be fine.
- Jimmy, what are you doing? - Eddy!
I remember...
No...from here.
We're in no rush, Jimmy.
From here.
- He doesn't know where he is. - Keep going.
Come on, get your feet up, Tojo!
Here is.
Right here.
Are you sure, Jimmy?
Dig in.
The Geneva Convention says:
"Officers don't Manual work".
Cooper's Treaty states: "Ikegyuchi, dig."
"Otherwise the shovel will make contact with the head"... Dig now.
Front! Head down and work.
Captain Cooper!
Ghosts, Frank. Wonderful.
Steady...to the chair.
Raise your right hand.
You swear that the evidence that you will give the Court Martial...
...is the truth and only the truth?
Swear.
Soldier, how long have you been there? prisoner of war?
How long;
Sister, are you sure that the soldier Fenton can testify?
I was for 3 years.
Were you beaten during this time?
Answer the question, soldier.
They beat me up.
- Who was carrying out the beatings? - Ikeyuchi.
The one we called the "black bastard".
It was him...
...that broke my ribs.
He split my skull open. It almost crippled me.
Almost every bastard of them he has a small share.
Who gave the orders for them? the beatings?
That bastard. Ikeyuchi.
Something basic.
There were 30 of them.
And Ikeyuchi...
That damn whistle.
He whistled for them to stop the beatings.
And he whistled for them to start again the beatings.
We lost some really good guys that day.
Those of us left...
They had no right to they do this to us.
We were soldiers.
Struck by those...
When the guards weren't looking...
I was pulled out by some colleagues...
I crawled away as fast as I could in a hut...
And I got under her.
And I prepared, in a way, for war.
Hours passed...
I don't know how many beatings took place.
- Soldier...what else did you see? - What else;
The truck.
Yes, a truck was coming.
Entry!
I'm...Jimmy. can you hear me
Eddy...Eddy!
Sister Little, you certify the Court Martial that this man can testify?
This is the professional one my opinion sir
My recommendation to the Court Martial he says he isn't.
I am!
I am competent to testify.
These were the men with your brother?
I didn't make out any faces...
But yes, they look like them.
Where is your brother being held? all three men?
In isolation...
Just like the rest of us.
Most of the guards...
They were outside the camp, doing foot patrols.
So I went under the wire...
I could see Ikeyuchi.
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You are going to talk!
You will tell me everything!
I am submitting flight records which show that...
...Squadron Edward Fenton, he was on a reconnaissance mission.
This plane was not loaded with bombs.
Captain Smith, Captain O'Donnell...
...and Hyposminias Rogers were also on the plane.
Dress...
Eddy!
Eddie, the bastard is gone.
Ed.
Eddy!
Ed.
Eddie, I'm...Jimmy.
Eddie, I'm Jimmy.
I slept there at night...
I gave him a cigarette...
I tried to hold him morale high.
When was the last time? where did you see eddy
It was...
I think, morning...
Yes, I think it was morning.
The Japanese guards...truck...
I knocked her under the wire.
I followed the truck until it turned.
I was running...
I was going as fast as I could.
I could see Eddie.
And the other three. And a couple of guards.
And Ikeyuchi flies from the car...
"Muffled" voices. "Tou fa wai".
I was...
I was almost there a Japanese patrol.
I heard Eddie's screams, hiding in the bushes.
I cried.
They killed my brother.
Bastards!
"Torichi tao ma" (Japanese)
Damn barbarians!
"Nah, damn it" (Japanese)
Animals!
Entry!
Animals!
Would you like a beer?
Yes thank you.
Jimmy Fenton just died.
- Who executed the airmen? - I know nothing.
We'll see what you know.
Who gave the order?
Who executed the airmen? Who did it;
Names...names!
- The Christian. - Which Christian?
- Tanaka. - You have to try harder.
Tanaka...Tanaka!
Tanaka, the Transmission officer?
Yes!
Jesus Christ!
Next time, leave it to the experts.
You better go disinfect it...sir.
Did you get anything out of it?
The name of one of the executors.
You enjoyed the way where did you learn that?
You are no better than him.
Captain Motomi Ikegiuchi.
And Lieutenant Hideo Tanaka.
Accuse accordingly with Unit 3...
...of the Australian Code War Crimes.
For the illegal execution...
officers and crew of the Royal Navy of Australian Air Force.
Rogers, Fenton, O'Donnell and Smith.
- What are you declaring? - Innocent.
Innocent.
I submit the information provided by Private James Fenton.
Along with photos of the decapitated bodies of the four officers.
As well as their metal identities.
Captain, who gave the order for the execution of these officers?
I don't know anything about executions.
Private James Fenton swore an oath...
...that he saw you questioning Squadron Leader Edward Fenton.
- He was lying. - In addition, he stated...
...that a truck followed which carried the officers.
And a car in which you were riding.
In a place in the jungle, At one point...
...where you, a few days ago...
...you dug up the decapitated corpses of these officers.
The code of Bushido requires that enemy officers, of that rank,
...to be executed by Japanese officers of the same rank.
Who were they?
Lieutenant Tanaka, do you recognize these men?
Yes.
When did you first see them?
In the morning, he brought them for the Court Martial, Captain Ikejuchi.
Captain Ikeyuchi.
Who was in charge? in the courts-martial, in the ’bon?
Baron Takahashi.
He presided, along with others two officers.
Captain Ikeyuchi and Lieutenant Simada.
- The judicial officer. - Baron Takahashi.
You witnessed it the military court?
No.
What makes you think it happened really court martial?
They told me how he did it to me the honor Baron Takahashi...
President of the Military Court...
...to execute the Australian POWs,
He honored you!
Why should they honor one Transfer officer?
Delivery requires an officer to be executed by an officer of equal rank.
What crime did they commit? the officers...
...and was an enforcement order issued?
- They had bombed innocent civilians. - How they had bombed innocent civilians,
...when the records show it was on a reconnaissance mission?
According to the Japanese military court, they bombed civilians.
According to a court martial which, probably, it never happened.
- Objection! - You are a liar, Lieutenant.
No...Baron Takahashi was in charge.
Nothing could be done without his clear order!
Nothing!
I protested against his orders, for the mass beating of the prisoners.
I made repeated appeals to Takahashi.
Do something. The captives will die.
He didn't do anything!
There were warehouses full of food.
Takahashi left them to die of hunger.
They were people!
It became a court-martial!
See the archives. They prove it.
The files;
There are no files.
Takahashi burned them.
As it will burn you. Old fool!
Sergeant, remove the prisoner!
Tanaka!
We will both die for the Emperor.
Traitor!
Sit down!
Mr. Captain.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Does not matter.
I feel very ashamed of everything was held in court today.
I defended Vice Admiral Takahashi...
...according to the letter of the law.
But now I am in the most difficult situation.
You really believed that was Baron Takahashi innocent?
You should appreciate it. My purpose was to defend him.
Tanaka concerns me now.
It would be a great injustice...
...if they were to taint the innocent from the shame of guilt.
I'm not so sure that tanaka is innocent.
But...he was just following orders.
So did the men he executed, Mr. Matsugae.
Captain!
Come quickly, sir.
Bastard!
I had a special bullet for him.
Such actions are pointless.
We will all suffer for it.
Okay, cover him with something.
Take them from here.
Go ahead, move away!
Front!
How can they do this to ourselves;
I do not understand the damned Japanese.
Why does Beckett return?
Why doesn't he just put Simada on on a plane?
You asked for Simada. You're the reason he's being brought here.
- I don't know why Beckett is coming. - He's coming because he knows we found...
...the bodies of those airmen. So what will he say?
"It became a military court. Was Takahashi wrong?"
- I don't know what he will say. - Come on Frank, whose side are you on?
Where did your magic go?
We are here because of them the captives were Australians.
I intend to dispose of Lieutenant Simada to Mr. Matsugae, for questions.
Well;
Lieutenant Simada will confirm how it became a legal court-martial.
I have to tell you, Cooper doesn't appreciate it the perspective of your appearance...
I don't give a damn what he values Captain Cooper, Frank...
Where did you find him? the guy, after all?
Who's in charge here?
He must return in Tokyo the day after tomorrow, Frank.
You only have 24 hours.
Lieutenant, you came to the ’bon to deposit specifically...
...that these men they were court-martialed.
But there is not the slightest clue to support this, right?
This is not true.
I acted on the order of the military court.
Return to your seat, Lieutenant.
Well, Vice Admiral Takahashi convened the court-martial...
...and you and Captain Ikegiuchi you were there.
Yes.
And Tokyo was informed about it court-martial via radio broadcast.
Yes.
Although the records of all these broadcasts, were bombarded here in ’bon.
I think so.
And all the files in Tokyo of them of the shows, seem to have been lost.
- Yes. - "Yes".
I would like to call Major Beckett in the chair.
For what, Captain?
To draw on his special knowledge in the field of records, sir.
Very well. To be sworn in by Major Beckett.
Nothing else comes up by this Court.
At least make it clear that the allied effort...
...to bomb the Japanese archives was almost unsuccessful.
You swear that the information you will provide in the Courts is the truth only?
I swear.
Captain Cooper.
Major...
It is true that, during the war...
...you were a Security Officer of the US Secret Service?
Yes, it's true, but I don't see what's in it to do with this process.
It is also true that, from tradition and from there...
Japanese codes are coming in the hands of the Allies?
And any signal received during the war,
- ...can it now be decoded? - The decoding of Japanese signals
...it can get big period of time.
Also, it is extremely unlikely, every signal between ’bon and Tokyo…
...to be hijacked by Washington.
Yes, but there are case signals which were sent by the ’bon...
...to have embezzled from your Australian allies?
It could not be intercepted from Darwin?
There's no guarantee, Captain. as you should know that...
...every Japanese signal was hijacked from anyone.
Yes, but if it were...
Is it possible now these to be decoded?
And be presented as evidence in this Court?
It's classified information, Captain. I can't comment on them.
How could we get such information?
It would be very difficult, sir. Maybe I could...
Sir, these files were summoned last night.
I just received a message to save the information in the files.
I insist!
Sir, this information is classified for alliance reasons...
You can't resist, Major Beckett.
Please sit down.
- I insist...this information... - I request a break, sir,
...to trigger a state, such as any documents obtained...
...to be properly taken into account.
Adjournment of the meeting for one hour until this case is resolved.
Major Roberts. Can I see you privately?
I'm afraid I have some bad news, gentlemen.
The information is classified. They won't allow them.
Major...
I'm sorry, Bob.
I wish it would succeed.
Yes, thanks, Frank.
- Sir? - Yes?
Come in.
Mr. Matsugae...
Tell the gentlemen what you just told me
US records won't show no sign of court martial.
- Why...no signal was sent. - For what reason;
I do not know. But I remember...
No signal was sent.
Lots of bombing.
What you are saying is that, there was a court-martial...
...but not sent no signal in Tokyo.
Yes.
I would like to call the lieutenant Kimura as a witness, Mr. Major.
In defense of Lieutenant Tanaka.
You say that there was a court-martial.
But no signal was sent.
How do you know no signal was sent for this particular court-martial?
They were attacking us. It was very difficult to send signals at that time.
Yes, but how do you know so much for this particular court-martial?
- You were there; - Yes.
Vice Admiral Takahashi ordered me to inform Lieutenant Tanaka...
...that he would perform one of the airmen.
- I have no further questions. - Captain Cooper.
Lieutenant...
...Kimura.
What was the date of the court martial for the four airmen?
September 10, 1944.
10...September...of 1944.
And no signal was sent because the island was under air raid.
Yes.
Very heavy airstrike.
This heavy air strike it happened on court-martial day,
...the next day or the day after that?
- I'm not sure. - Lieutenant, it didn't happen...
...no air strike the whole of September 1944.
That's not why no signal was sent, was it?
- Objection, Mr. President. - Accepted.
Lieutenant, will you tell us...
...how exactly did you inform Lieutenant Tanaka...
...that he would perform Squadron Leader Edward Fenton?
I told him it was done a court martial.
Vice Admiral Takahashi he had done him the honor...
...to execute Squadron Leader Fenton.
So you told him...
That a court-martial was held.
As you told me, a few seconds ago...
...that no signal was sent.
No court-martial took place, is not that right;
- That's why no signal was sent, right? - You insist!
- It didn't happen... - Leads the witness!
- ...no court-martial, is there? - Captain Cooper!
- Done; - Mr. President!
- Captain Cooper! - Why don't you tell them it didn't happen?
Stop this type of questions. Please sit down, Captain.
- No, until the witness answers... - Sit down!
Why didn't you tell him? that there was no court martial?
- I was scared. - What thing;
I was scared.
They would punish me. I would be court-martialed.
If I disobeyed an order.
Understood.
- You were scared. - I know Lieutenant Tanaka.
Maybe it wouldn't perform this order...
...if he knew there hadn't been a trial.
Lieutenant Tanaka asked to see written order of this court-martial?
No.
No...
What really happened that day;
I was...at Takahashi's house.
At 9 in the morning...
When he gave the order to Captain Ikeyuchi.
To take away the captives in the performance part.
And it ended at 10:30.
I had to report to Takahashi,
...when execution was complete.
Lieutenant Kimura, you served on the island of ’bon in February 1942?
Yes.
Vice Admiral Takahashi gave the execution order...
...of 315 Australian POWs, in the corridor p/c to Laha?
He was in charge...yes.
You believe that Captain Ikeiuchi did he act alone?
He decided to execute the pilots.
And he chose you to do it?
No.
You understand what position that puts you in without the existence of a court martial?
I can only say that I was running this which I "thought" was a legal order.
For my superiors.
The number of four men, definitely required something in writing.
We were at war.
We had to obey orders.
But, you're a Transmissions officer.
You didn't notice they weren't sent signals for this court martial?
You said earlier that you were questioning Takahashi's orders.
What could I have done?
There are many questions which will never be resolved.
Not in this court.
You need something;
we don't hang out isn't he a soldier?
Sergeant...
You have nothing better to do than chatting with these monkeys?
- I don't want to cause trouble! - You, don't interfere!
You Japanese lovers...
You're turning my stomach.
You can forget.
Captain Cooper...
Beautiful evening.
Not bad at all.
Although there is a small breeze that it comes from the sea side.
Yes...
hear...
I think there is something that should to realize
Baron Takahashi has been given a secret place...
...in the peace program, in Tokyo.
It will be a shame if more are caused problems about what happened here.
About what?...Where he killed a few hundred Australians?
There is a bigger one game, Cooper.
Larger scale.
You think I don't understand how do you feel;
I don't think about all these bad things that happened to our men?
I'm not saying that this chair he is innocent.
I'm just asking you to see that they exist more important things...
...of what happened in the bon.
The future of the whole is resolved of the world, at this moment.
I have no use for barons either in the best of circumstances, Major.
But let me tell you...
The future of the world not resolved on a large scale.
Solved by ordinary people doing their usual work.
You don't understand, do you?
We have to use people like Takahashi...
...to serve our own interests.
Takahashi does not serve our own interests.
You serve his.
And you don't solve the future of the world, Mr. Major.
You just prevent it from being different from the past.
Thank you, Mr. Matsugae.
Captain Cooper.
It is not recognized in International Law obedience to superior officer...
...as a defense.
The defendant, personally, carried out the brutal execution...
By Squadron Leader Edward Fenton.
That he did, is not disputed.
The question for this Court is as follows:
He knew he was committing a crime or was he unaware of the fact?
The accused was lied to...
His superiors.
None of those senior officers has not been released since then...
...from this Court, for any wrong action.
Items that have been made since then available, that Vice Admiral Takahashi...
He lied to this Court.
He ordered summary execution of pilots...
And destroyed all the files.
These elements must be better used...
...from being simply condemned his junior officers.
Officers of insufficient rank who probably won't play a role...
...in the post-war period regional policy.
Lieutenant Tanaka, previously questioned...
...the orders of his superiors.
This time, they didn't.
His instruction, to execute a defenseless captive...
...was presented to him as a great honor.
In the Japanese tradition.
It has become extremely apparent, sir...
...that the primary event in this process...
It is not the difference between Japanese culture and our own...
Or two-sided in an international war...
It's the way with him which...the power...
and the privilege...
They victimize them who have none.
What choice did Lieutenant Tanaka have?
What could he have done?
We all recognize that the world must continue.
But if a quick political solution in the Pacific and the Far East...
It can only be won at the expense of justice...
Then, our sadness...
And our anger...
In the barbaric treatment of our own prisoners of war...
It will not be washed away in this century.
If this officer found guilty...
I suggest we show him mercy.
I stopped by to say goodbye.
- For the homeland? - Tomorrow.
Thank you for the help.
I'm sorry for what happened with Jimmy.
What do you think will happen tomorrow?
I do not know.
Good luck.
Maybe we'll see each other again in Sydney sometime.
Maybe.
- Take care. - You too.
The Court made an extensive study...
...of the case of Lieutenant Tanaka.
In particular, what concerns the possible mitigating factors surrounding the question...
Whether he had understood or not in his mind...
...that he was committing this the unjustified crime.
There is no doubt that The accused...
...performed the execution of Squadron Leader Fenton.
It was the defendant's responsibility to confirm...
...that it had been conducted a legal court martial.
And a lawful order had been given which he was following his decision.
Clearly, he didn't research it.
Accordingly, this Court he has no choice...
...from preaching the accused guilty.
This is a serious offence.
The penalty is death.
"Lieutenant Tanaka..."
"An English learner, Christian Japanese..."
"Paradoxically, an English learner, Christian Japanese... "
"Who delivered himself..."
"He was sentenced to death today".
"The sentence will be carried out...immediately".
Perfect.
Remove the "surprisingly".
Will you please take care my wife, Hitori...
...receive this letter?
Of course.
Executive Quote... Turn right.
Executive Quote. Para foot...arm.
I don't want you to blindfold me. I'm not afraid of death.
I am sorry. It's a regulation.
Firing squad... Weapons in hand!
Fill up!
On purpose!
Fire!
Firing squad! Weapons in hand.
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