I investigated reported Japanese atrocities committed by the Japanese Army in Nanking and elsewhere. Verbal accounts of reliable eyewitnesses and letters from individuals whose credibility is beyond question afford convincing proof that the Japanese Army behaved and is continuing to behave in a fashion reminiscent of Attila and his Huns. Not less than 300,000 Chinese civilians were slaughtered, many in cold blood.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author acknowledges reports of Japanese atrocities in Nanking, citing eyewitness accounts of mass civilian killings.
- In plain terms
- I found evidence that Japanese soldiers killed hundreds of thousands of civilians.
- What can you take from it?
- Acknowledge documented atrocities and civilian losses.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we verify historical atrocities?
- What is the responsibility of leaders regarding war crimes?
Another view
The attribution to Hirota is historically contentious given his role.
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