ORDER TO KILL ALL POWS
"to annihilate them all, and not to leave any traces"


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The following translation was found in File 2015, designated as Document No. 2710, certified as Exhibit "O" in Doc. No.2687. NARA, RG 238 Box 2015
Special Note: In RG 238 Box 2012 is a request "for suggestions on how to dispose of all internees."


22-1-9 17 [penciled in]
E2015 [penciled in]
Document No. 2701
(Certified as Exhibit "O" in Doc. No. 2687)

From the Journal of the Taiwan POW Camp H.Q. in Taihoku,
entry 1 August 1944

  1. (entries about money, promotions of Formosans at Branch camps, including promotion of Yo Yu-toku to 1st Cl Keibiin - 5 entries)
  2. The following answer about the extreme measures for POW's was sent to the Chief of Staff of the 11th Unit (Formosa POW Security No. 10).
    "Under the present situation if there were a mere explosion or fire a shelter for the time being could be had in nearby buildings such as the school, a warehouse, or the like. However, at such time as the situation became urgent and it be extremely important, the POW's will be concentrated and confined in their present location and under heavy guard the preparation for the final disposition will be made.

    The time and method of the disposition are as follows:

    1. The Time.

      Although the basic aim is to act under superior orders, Individual disposition may be made in the following circumstances:

      1. When an uprising of large numbers cannot be suppressed without the use of firearms.
      2. When escapees from the camp may turn into a hostile Fighting force.

    2. The Methods.

      1. Whether they are destroyed individually or in groups, or however it is done, with mass bombing, poisonous smoke, poisons, drowning, decapitation, or what, dispose of them as the situation dictates.
      2. In any case it is the aim not to allow the escape of a single one, to annihilate them all, and not to leave any traces.

    3. To: The Commanding General
            The Commanding General of Military Police

      Reported matters conferred on with the 11th Unit, the Kiirun Fortified Area H.Q., and each prefecture concerning the extreme security in Taiwan POW Camps."
  3. (The next entry concerns the will of a deceased POW).

I hereby certify that this is a true translation from the Journal of the Taiwan POW H.Q. in Taiwan, entry 1 August 1944.

Signed: Stephen H. Green