They wanted to get good shots — They accidentally saved the life of a criminal
When former Japanese Prime Minister Gen. Hideki Tojo saw the Americans outside his home, he decided to commit suicide. The reporters present at the scene then unknowingly saved his life.
Eight days after the surrender of Japan, on September 10, 1945, American war correspondent Russell Brines knocked on General Tojo’s door. By then, the Japanese politician and military officer — dubbed the Hitler of the Far East by the Allies for good reason — was far more reserved and economical with his words.
“I cannot discuss politics or military matters. I am only a farmer now. I believe that Japan’s struggle was based on justice, although I know America will disagree. History will decide who is right. As far as I am concerned, I take full responsibility for the war.” — Hideki Tojo
The next day, the former Japanese prime minister was on a list of 39 people to be arrested under a warrant issued by American General Douglas MacArthur. The list contained the names of so-called Class A war criminals.
Suicide Attempts
The Americans rightly suspected that many Pearl Harbor Cabinet officials, as the former Tojo government was called, would attempt to commit seppuku or some other form of honorable suicide. The Allies…
