Pearl Harbor: The Seeds and Fruits of Infamy - Ludwig von Mises ...

422 Pearl Harbor: The Seeds and Fruits of Infamy
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, T.H., on 7 December 1941.” 2
Th us Hart was to examine “such members of the naval forces” as
were “thought to have knowledge of facts pertinent to the said
surprise attack.” It was to be “a sort of one-man board to take
testimony.” Hart would soon be contacting Kimmel offi cially. 3
Kimmel had reservations about Hart’s inquiry. Not only
could it not be “free and open,” but it was too narrowly focused.
It was to be limited to examining “members of the naval forces”
concerning events “pertinent to the said surprise attack.” Kimmel
pointed out that many non-Navy personnel, Army personnel and
civilians, should also be examined. And they should be questioned
not only about events “pertinent to the said surprise attack,” but
also about “events that took place some time prior to said attack
and of events at places not in the Hawaiian Islands that have an
important bearing on the actual attack.” Th e testimony of such
persons should also be taken and preserved. 4 Moreover, Kimmel
maintained that he had a right “to be informed of the nature and
cause of any accusation” against him. 5
Although Knox assured Kimmel that this examination
would be “in no sense a trial,” and Kimmel would be “permitted
to introduce matter pertinent to the examination, to cross-examine
witnesses, etc.,” Kimmel still had qualms. 6 Th e legal character
of the inquiry was unclear. It would have some characteristics
279th Cong., 1st sess. Joint (Congressional) Committee on the Investigation
of the Pearl Harbor Attack. Pearl Harbor Attack, 39 vols. (Washington, D.C.:
U.S. Government Printing Offi ce, 1946), part 26, pp. 3–4.
3Hart letter to Kimmel, February 15, 1944. Typed copy of original in author’s
fi les.
4Kimmel memorandum to Knox, March 16, 1944. Typed copy of original in
author’s fi les.
5Kimmel memorandum to Knox, February 29, 1944. Th ermofax copy of original
in author’s fi les.
6Knox memorandum to Kimmel, March 4, 1944. Typed copy of original in
author’s fi les.