The Japanese were more than willing to
show some of their facilities and demonstrate their humane treatment
of the over 72,000 captured Russian soldiers. The main site for
foreign visitors was the largest camp, located in the city of
Masuyama on the island of Shikoku. Ethel McCaul, the Red Cross
inspector, was impressed by the condition of the prisoners, whom she
found “cheerful and in good health.” Dr. Seaman, who also visited
Matsuyama, attributed the fine mental condition of the prisoners to
their treatment. His description of them was almost identical to that
of McCaul: “They were cheerful, surprisingly happy, and amused
themselves with card-games, ball-playing and wandering about.”
Testimonies of Russian prisoners indicate that the conditions in
Matsuyama and other camps were not just a show for visitors. The
prisoners had expected cruelty, explained Seaman, but “were
astonished to find themselves surrounded by what they were pleased to
call paradise.” Many of them attested that they had “never fared
better in their lives.” When five prisoners escaped and were
recaptured after four days, Seaman was mystified at the light
punishment they received. Their leader was asked to give his parole,
and when refused he was placed in close confinement. Another Russian
officer who had assaulted a guard was put under “open arrest” for
seven days.
McCaul concluded her inspection with
praise: “I had witnessed a treatment of their enemies which would
reflect the greatest credit on any nation. The Russians were being
treated as guests of the country, not mere prisoners of war.”
Seaman was also impressed. “In the treatment of her prisoners,
Japan had not only surpassed all previous records, but had
established a new standard of humanity for the nations of the
future.”
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