CO129-585-7 Sino-Japanese conflict- interned Chinese soldiers 18-1-1940 - 27-12-1940 — Page 36

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speaking, first to ensure that the prisoners shall not escape or otherwise carry on activities which might compromise the neutrality of the State concerned or

assist their own side in the war; secondly to furnish

them with food and clothing and relief which the

dictates of humanity prescribe. There is nothing in

this Convention about the employment of interned soldiers (as there is in the Geneva Convention 1929 in the case of prisoners of war taken by a belligerent).

On the other hand there is no express provision in

international law which prevents a neutral from

employing interned soldiers.

3. We are inclined to think therefore, that

there is no objection on legal grounds to the

employment of these Chinese soldiers in Malaya or

elsewhere, provided that they are not allowed to escape and that they are suitably maintained. question then arises whether any useful employment in Malaya can be offered to these interned soldiers, in

which they could be adequately supervised.

The

It would

doubtless be necessary to pay them suitable wages.

Prima/