Hirota & Hitler, one common point
Aug 23, '07 2:45 AMfor everyone
Hirota was the only civilian politician among 7 executed war criminals in Far East War Tribunal held after the WWII. Other 6 were all military commanders.
This tribunal was held under over lawful considerations. Under the Constitution at that time Emperor was the supreme commander of all military forces and adminislative body couldn't possibly interfere any decision military forces determined. Military was where no political power could reach. Hirota, prime minister in time of war was not guilty if they applied existing laws at that time to him, but he was charged and hung to death in the end.
In Germany, Ribbentrop was executed though he was a civilian politician. General Headquarters of Far East wanted to execute Matsuoka too, he was a foreign minister and civilian politician. He was dead in natural cause during the trial. Some civilian politician had to be hung in this trial at least to reinforce the justification of political forces in Allied by denying the political power in Axis countries. In my opinion, Hirota was chosen to act for this justification. Hitler was of course a civilian politician.