Japanese germ-war evidence suppressed

(First Edition)

Tokyo - A former Japanese army officer said yesterday he ordered Japan's development of germ warfare weapons during the Second World War destroyed on the day the country surrendered.

The former lieutenant-colonel said he issued the order because he knew Japan's activities violated international conventions. The man who was not identified by name, was reported to be 84 and had been in charge of scientific information in the wartime Army Ministry. AP