The Pittsburgh Press (October 24, 1944)
Pearl Harbor report made by Army board
Result may be kept secret forever
Washington (UP) –
Evidence on the facts surrounding the Pearl Harbor disaster was in today, but its classification by Army and Navy investigating boards as “top secret” and “secret” made it doubtful when, if ever, the information would be revealed to the public.
The Army phase of the inquiry was completed yesterday when a special board submitted its report – a 5,000-page document containing testimony taken in the last three months – to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson who has referred it to Maj. Gen. Leroy Cramer, the Army’s Judge Advocate General.
Stimson to review data
Mr. Stimson will also review the report. Subsequently, appropriate military authorities will review the need for the secrecy classifications made by the board.
A similar report, based on a separate inquiry conducted by a Navy board, was submitted to Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal last Friday.
The Navy board also classified its report as “secret” and “top secret,” and Mr. Forrestal referred it to Adm. Ernest J. King, commander-in-chief of the Fleet, and RAdm. Thomas L. Gatch, Navy Judge Advocate General.
Back to Forrestal
Adm. King will determine which portion of the Navy report, if any, can be made public without violating military security. After Adm. Gatch has reviewed it from a legal standpoint, it will be returned to Mr. Forrestal, who will determine what action to take on the basis of opinions by Adm. King and Adm. Gatch.
It was believed that the task of review would not be completed until well after Election Day. Republicans in and out of Congress have been clamoring that the facts be disclosed before Election Day.