Kind treatment of "coalition troops" prisoners evident of humanitarianismNarration by witness of the war to resist US aggression and aid Korea -- Liu Wanhai
After hearing new scandals of prisoner abuse by the United States in the 21st century, I thought I was duty-bound to tell the world people about the vast difference in the treatment of war prisoners by the two armies in the last century. This difference may be described as a problem relating to policy or system, or discrepancy in the concept of value and culture, but facts are there, people with a conscience worldwide can make their own comments. Soldiers who are captured by the opposite side in a battle or a campaign are generally dubbed "prisoners of war". However, in different POW camps, there is great disparity in the treatment of prisoners in life, political circumstances, personal safety or even the final result. By then I was in charge of more than 200 prisoners of second lieutenant and lieutenant colonel in ranks. In the face of extreme shortage of materials we managed to meet the living needs of prisoners and livened up their cultural life. Though we were two antagonistic armies, we treated war prisoners who had laid down arms without any political and personal prejudices. Respect national customs and adopt largish supply standardEnsuring war prisoners' material supply is a general rule of humanism. We treated these "coalition troops" prisoners with kindness.All the staple and non-staple foodstuffs, flavorings and cigars were selected from the best quality products in China. Considering that people in the US, UK and New Zealand like sweet food flour was the main gradient of the staple food and demand for white sugar was met. Non-staple food mainly included pork, lamb, beef, soybean, chicken or egg and fish. All those were carefully selected among the best quality products. A special canteen was opened for the Turkish prisoners in accordance with the Hui customs. Enrich the cultural activities and win sincerity through communicationWe purchased guitars and violins with funds what had already been limited so that the prisoners could have their cultural activities. We also made some instruments ourselves. The sounds of guitar and singing could be heard every day in the camp.Apart from showing them movies frequent get-togethers were organized, during which the prisoners gave their own performances. Take for example the period between May to June 1953. By then the two sides were negotiating over the repatriation of war prisoners at Panmunjom. Since the US tried to detain Chinese and DPRK prisoners negotiations went into a deadlock. War prisoners captured by the CPVF, however, did not become sad because of the failure of prompt solution. They continued to rehearse their programs as usual until the show. To invent something novel some performers not only wore makeup but also made a model and placed "her" at a most striking spot where "she" smiled at the audient adding to the joyous atmosphere. We bought the prisoners various kinds of magazines and books, which were mainly in English. They were the medium through which the prisoners learned the outside world and communicated with the officers and soldiers of the CPVF. In time the prisoners talked to us about almost everything regarding politics, culture and current affairs. Relaxed management environment and diversified types of sportsThe POW camps on the CPVF's side were not surrounded by tiers of barbecue and guarded by armed sentries as the war prisoner camps in the "coalition troops" were. Instead they were marked only by a single tier of fencing made of wooden sticks or branches, which were nothing but signs. There was no further barrier. A sentry as a symbol was set outside the gate. During the day the prisoner needed only to hail to the sentry before they could make a visit or see the doctor.We had various kinds of ball games. Among them baseball was most welcome. There were many matches held every day. Some times meals were delayed until a match had a final result. There were also many track and field events. Complete welfare facilities and free correspondence exchangeThe haircut room in the camp was furnished with complete and brand-new appliance. Aprons were as white as snow. Barbers were selected from skilled hands among the prisoners. They were familiar with everyone's taste.The war prisoner camp was not only equipped with bathhouse but also carpenter's workshop where handy prisoners could put to good use their skills. We timely provided the prisoners with various sanitary appliance and distributed clothes, shoes and hats according to each person's size. I recall an American lieutenant called Kastler who was over two meters high with two larger-than-normal feet. Even the largest size shoes couldn't fit his feet. Our supply chief was therefore sent back home to order a pair of special-made cotton-padded shoes. The CPVF indeed set a model in observing the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. This includes guaranteeing the freedom of correspondence. We provided the prisoners letter paper, envelopes and other stationeries free of charge. Each person could write their relatives at least twice each month. They could also receive their relative's letters at any time not only to learn of the information about their families and the society but also decisions made by their army concerning their promotion or salary raise. Some prisoners often received photos and chewing gums. Different treatment evident of human rights levelSince they were not prejudiced politically the prisoners felt easy and comfortable. Besides good food as well as physical activities made each prisoner in ruddy health by the time of ceasefire. In a word the relationship between us and the prisoner was cooperative or even friendly. Many of them came into friendship with us. On some points of view we approached or closed to consensus. When being repatriated back home many of them had to be repeatedly mobilized and persuaded into leaving. They were still reluctant to leave before departure. "Thank you", "Good bye" could be heard here and there as they waved their hands with tears in their eyes.However, this was not the treatment our CPVF prisoners received. When exchanging war prisoners at Panmunjom we did not see the "Thank you" "Good bye" scene. Instead, we saw them stripping down their only clothes and throwing them back to the enemy. Covering by a towel they left the enemy grinding their teeth. On returning back we saw crowded scars, old and new, on their bodies. In the barracks they condemned those abuses, which not only filled the victims with indignation but also made the listeners heartbroken. I clearly recall this scene: a former captive was condemning the abuses by the enemy military police and the Chiang's spies, such as hunger, hard labor, beating-up, cutting out flesh and slaying, hundreds of people could not but break into tears. The hall was filled with wailing that could rip heart. During those days their eyes as well as ours were swelling with tears and turned red. Though our food was good we all lost much weight. In my opinion if the US government still has conscience it should be deeply ashamed of its hypocritical idea of human rights. The article is carried on the People's Daily, June 14, and translated by People's Daily Online | ||
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