Description:

(RAPE OF NANKING) MINER SEARLE BATES
(1897-1978) American scholar, one of the leaders of the International Committee for the Nanking (now Nanjing) Safety Zone during the Japanese occupation of that city, and a witness to the atrocities performed by Japanese soldiers during the ‘Rape of Nanking'. In his efforts to secure the safety of the city's population, Bates risked his own safety by pulling soldiers off women that they were molesting, was shoved down a flight of stairs by Japanese military police, and on several occasions had pistols held to his head. He later testified as a witness during the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (IMFTE), or the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal. Fine association pair of signed items, includes: Fine content T.L.S. ‘Searle Bates', 1p. 4to., Nanjing, Aug. 20, 1946, on University of Nanking letterhead, to American associate counsel for the prosecution during the IMFTE DAVID NELSON SUTTON (1895-1974), who was responsible for gathering witness testimony related to Japanese war crimes in China. Bates informs Sutton that he has been following the progress of the tribunal through scattered reports in local newspapers, and that he and other witnesses have been asked to give talks regarding their experience giving testimony for the tribunal in Japan. He goes on to discuss conditions in China during the ongoing Civil War, in part: ‘...Things look bad here for the long view on civil war, though we do not expect prompt trouble in this region. I've been so deep in University troubles, mostly financial, that I haven't seen Stuart or Marshall since returning. Tonight I will be in a place to get official gossip… Smythe, Marx (our mission secretary), and [fellow IMFTE witness to the Rape of Nanking James H.] McCallum are living with me in my own house, without screens or refrigerator… [International Committee of the Nanking Safety Zone director George A.] Fitch is cut off from the direct receipt of UNRRA supplies since the Communists smashed the Lunghai Railway for some distance east of Kaifeng…' He signs at the conclusion in black ink. Shows two small ink notations in Sutton's hand, with mailing folds, a paper clip mark at top left, and a small area of paper loss at top right, else very good. Sold with a retained copy of Sutton's letter in response, discussing the progress of the tribunal.

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November 13, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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