The Treatment of Japanese and German POWs in the US During World War II

The treatment of prisoners of war (POWs) during World War II is a complex and often overlooked aspect of the conflict. This essay discusses the treatment of Japanese and German POWs by the United States, contextualizing the policies and actions based on historical records and scholarly analyses.

Introduction

During World War II, the United States, like its Allied counterparts, engaged in a wide range of actions that often blurred the line between military necessity and moral reprehensibility. This essay will explore how the treatment of Japanese and German POWs differed and examine the reasons behind these differences.

Treatment of Japanese POWs in the United States

Contrary to popular perceptions, Japanese POWs in the United States, if captured, were generally treated with better care than their German counterparts. After surviving the capture phase where many were shot or died during battle, those who were taken into military control and placed into actual POW camps or other facilities were provided with the best treatment available. This was part of the broader US military policy, which prioritized the humane treatment of all prisoners based on the Geneva Conventions and other international laws.

The United States Army magazine "Yank the Army Weekly" reported on May 18/19, 1945, that prisoners received excellent care, which was recognized even by Japanese prisoners themselves. However, this humane treatment was not universal, as evidenced by the frequent instances of racial hatred and violence towards Japanese soldiers. The hatred was fueled by the Japanese soldiers' reputation for extreme savagery and perfidy, even when attempting to surrender. The US military often turned a blind eye to such actions but at times incentivized capturing prisoners alive for valuable intelligence, leading to some instances of better treatment.

General US Policy Towards POWs

Despite the individual cases of cruelty, the overall policy of the US towards its POWs was generally humane, especially compared to German policies. The US maintained that all POWs were treated equally, and Japanese soldiers received the best care of any prisoners during the war. This difference in treatment reflected not only military necessity but also the broader context of US democratic and liberal values.

However, it is essential to note that while the US treated Japanese POWs well, this was not due to a lack of racial prejudice. The hatred of Japan extended throughout the US, from its government to its institutions. Yet, as the war progressed and Japan's surrender became more imminent, US officials began to counterbalance this hatred with pragmatic and humanitarian considerations. By the end of the war, these humanitarian views prevailed.

Treatment of German POWs

German POWs, on the other hand, faced much harsher conditions. The number of deaths among German prisoners in captivity was high, similar to the situation with Soviet prisoners held by the Germans. This high death rate was not unique to Germany but was also due to the dire material conditions within the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, by the end of the war, the Soviet Union started treating its prisoners of war better, even if it was still a poor situation overall.

United States Army archives, as well as scholarly accounts, indicate that the treatment of German POWs was often worse than that of Japanese POWs. Despite the significant damage inflicted by the Germans on the Soviet Union, the Soviets maintained their harsh treatment of prisoners, which was similar to their treatment of German forces in battle.

Conclusion

The treatment of Japanese and German POWs in the United States during World War II was a complex issue influenced by a variety of factors, including military necessity, humanitarian considerations, and racial prejudices. While the US provided better care to Japanese POWs in comparison to German POWs, both groups faced harsh conditions that were often a product of the broader context of the war and the prevailing ideologies of the time.

For a deeper dive into these issues, readers are encouraged to explore works such as "War Without Mercy: Race Power in the Pacific War" by John Dower (1986) and relevant articles that explore the complexities of prisoner treatment during the conflict.