FO371-24687 — Page 288

Page 288

Page 288

There is no mention

of

of employment soldiers in this convention.

interned soldiers

If he other hand

these Articles it appears that there is no

express provision in international law which

prevents a neutral Power from employing

interned soldiers, provided they are furnished

with the food, clothing and relief which the

dictates of humanity prescribe. The obligation

is to ensure that they 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.

3. Prisoners of war taken by a belligerent

are in a slightly different position, but

generally speaking a captor may employ such

prisoners as workmen according to their rank

and ability, but must assume entire responsibility

for their maintenance, care, treatment and the

payment of wages.

t

4. It seems fairly clear, therefore, that we

are perfectly entitled to employ these

Chinese soldiers in Malaya or elsewhere,

provided that we keep an adequate supervision over

them and do not allow them to escape. It is

I doubt whether

protified

we am

true/

Page 288

IN

THIS MARGIN.

NOTHING

TO

BE

WRITTEN

:

Page 288

'

Page 288