[MAGNA]

Yamashitas trial was indeed a farce. A military court for a start manned by officers answerable to the very man who brought the charges - MacArthur himself.

It was already known Yamashita had declared Manila an open city and moved his troops out as he realised the area was indefensible. The atrocities were committed by marines and sailors who Yamashita knew nothing about. They were commanded by an Admiral Iwabuchi.

Yamashita was also charged with atrocities committed in September 1944, a ridiculous charge considering he was stationed in Manchuria at that time.

Evidence was in the main heresay and at times simply made up, but still allowed. The defence could be cut off at any time according to how the presiding officer felt.

Homma was charged with responsibility for the Death March in 1942. There was no evidence for this but he was still convicted as was Yamashita.

American Caesar and other references note this as indeed a kangaroo court with no real credence and one which was brought about purely on MacArthurs wishes.

Perhaps the biggest contrast was between this proceeding and those held in Japan itself where the court was properly handled by an eleven judge tribunal.