War Office: General Headquarters, Allied Land Forces, (South East Asia) War Crimes...

WO 325

1941-1949

This series consists of investigation files of the General Headquarters, Allied Land Forces, South East Asia (ALFSEA) War Crimes Group relating to the investigation of and trial for war crimes committed by the Japanese during the Second World War.

The series contains files on investigations into incidents, and conditions in PoW camps, but no war criminal case files.

Public Record(s)

English

• Lord Chancellor's Office, Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Forces, 1948-1972
• War Office, Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Forces, 1935-1948

171 file(s)

Open

From 1988 Ministry of Defence

Topics

Army

Asia

Conflict

Armed Forces (General Administration)

Operations, battles and campaigns

Series is accruing

In November 1945, responsibility for the investigation and trial of war crimes committed by the Japanese was devolved upon General Headquarters, Allied Land Forces, South East Asia (ALFSEA). A War Crimes Registry was set up in Singapore to collate information on war crimes and the identity and location of suspected war criminals. Later, twelve investigating teams were created and the results of their investigations were sent to the registry.

When the war crimes organisation was set up, the Adjutant General's Public Safety Branch was initially responsible for administration, including the investigation and registration of cases, whilst the Judge Advocate General's Branch was required to act in a judicial and advisory capacity and to provide legally qualified presidents and prosecutors.

In 1947 full control of the whole organisation was vested in the Judge Advocate General's Branch, which took over the existing administrative staff, registry and investigating teams.