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

Joint Congressional Committee, Pearl Harbor Attack: Part 1 655
engaged in “extensive examination . . . far beyond what the legal
staff anticipated.” 126
Mitchell reminded the committee on December 14 that it
has been sitting regularly for a month, including all Saturdays
but one. During that period only 8 witnesses have been completely
examined . . . there remain at least 60 witnesses to be
examined. Many of these witnesses are quite as crucial as those
who have testifi ed. At the rate of progress during the past
month, it seems certain that several more months of hearings
will be required. . . .
Th e joint resolution of the Congress under which the committee
is acting requires a fi nal report of the committee to be made
not later than January 3, 1946. . . . Since the start of the hearing
it has become increasingly apparent that some members of
the committee have a diff erent view than that entertained by
counsel, either as to the scope of the inquiry or as to what is
pertinent evidence.
As a result, the hearings had been prolonged. Th erefore, it was
“necessary” for Mitchell “to ask the committee to arrange for
other counsel to carry on.” 127
Congress granted the committee an extension. While the
committee searched for replacements for Mitchell and his staff ,
the hearings continued with testimony from several more top
military offi cials.
126 Ibid., part 4, p. 1586.
127 Ibid., pp. 1585–86.