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Written question asked by Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru) on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 September 2025. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 September 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Military Decorations: World War II

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have received concerning the making of military awards for bravery for those involved in the activities of Unit 731 in Southeast Asia during the Second World War.

Answer

Unit 731 was a Japanese secret research facility which operated between 1933 and 1945 and conducted human experiments to test potential military uses of biological and chemical agents.

The victims, who were all killed, were predominantly Chinese, and to a lesser extent, Russian, Korean and Mongolian. Reports of Western and Commonwealth Prisoners of War being victims of Unit 731 are unverified and there is no confirmed evidence of UK nationals being held there.

The Ministry Of Defence has received no correspondence making representations for military awards for bravery, in respect of those involved in the activities of Unit 731 during the Second World War.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL10171
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Military decorations World War II South East Asia
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk