Hiroshima: Harry Truman on Trial

Hot Topics
tags: Hiroshima

In the summer of 2001, on the occasion of the anniversary of Hiroshima, History News Network staged a mock trial of Harry Truman. The charge: that he violated the Nuremberg standards regarding the lawful conduct of war.

Philip Nobile served as chief prosecutor, Ronald Radosh as chief defense counsel. In advance of publication, each writer was given the chance to review each other's statements.

Afterwards, the statements were submitted to a jury composed of leading scholars. Following the online publication of this"virtual" trial, readers were invited to submit their comments. These were collected and published. 

I accuse President Harry S Truman of war crimes under Article 6 of the Nuremberg Charter outlawing"the wanton destruction of cities, towns, and villages, or devastation not justified by military necessity."

Specifically, I accuse President Truman of ordering the annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki via an experimental terror weapon resulting in the massacre and maiming of some 200,000 Japanese women, children and old people.

Philip Nobile, August 2001

 


THE TRIAL

OPENING ARGUMENTS:

PROSECUTION
Philip Nobile

 

DEFENSE
Ronald Rados

CLOSING ARGUMENTS:

PROSECUTION
Philip Nobile

DEFENSE
Ronald Radosh




PHILIP NOBILE RESPONDS TO THE JURY

 

JURY VERDICT:



GUILTY

J. Dresner
Brian M. Jones

UNDECIDED

Arnold A. Offner



NOT GUILTY

R. John Pritchard
Richard Jensen
Oscar B. Chamberlain
Robert James Maddox
James R. Van de Velde
Larry Schweikart
Jeff Tenuth

Related Links

  • Readers' Response to the Truman Trial