Catalogue description War Office: General Headquarters, Allied Land Forces, (South East Asia) War Crimes Group: Investigation Files

In November 1945, responsibility for the investigation and trial of war crimes committed by the Japanese was devolved upon General Headquarters, Allied Land Forces, South East Asia (ALFSEA). A War Crimes Registry was set up in Singapore to collate information on war crimes and the identity and location of suspected war criminals. Later, twelve investigating teams were created and the results of their investigations were sent to the registry.

When the war crimes organisation was set up, the Adjutant General's Public Safety Branch was initially responsible for administration, including the investigation and registration of cases, whilst the Judge Advocate General's Branch was required to act in a judicial and advisory capacity, and to provide legally qualified presidents and prosecutors.

In 1947 full control of the whole organisation was vested in the Judge Advocate General's Branch, which took over the existing administrative staff, registry and investigating teams.