Instructions on the Humane Treatment of Japanese Prisoners of War
(February 18, 1939)
[1]
1. The enemy’s combat effectiveness has significantly weakened compared with before, and their political morale is even worse. Henceforth, Japanese prisoners captured in battle should be released whenever possible, preferably within two weeks at most; if circumstances permit, they should be set free immediately on the spot. Extensive publicity should be given to the policy of humane treatment, while shooting or any other humiliating acts must be strictly prohibited. As for prisoners being trained in rear areas, they may be handled according to the situation—where military secrets are not compromised, release is also permissible. In this way, we can undermine the Japanese army’s will to fight and shake its morale, thereby facilitating the defeat of the enemy’s offensive.
2. It is said that in most Japanese units, Chinese soldiers account for two-thirds, whereas Japanese soldiers make up only one-third; furthermore, transport detachments consist entirely of Koreans. Please investigate the veracity of these claims locally and report back by telegraph.

Mao, Wang, Tan
18th day

[1] This is a joint telegram signed by Mao Zedong, Wang Jiaxiang, and Tan Zheng to all units of the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army.