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The Government of the United States has consistently adhered to the view that all. members of the armed forces of the countries at war with Germany which are engaged in active combat should be treated by the German military authorities in accordance with the laws and customs of war. It has come to the attention of this Government, however, that the soldiers of the Polish Home Army which is now engaged in active military operations against common enemy are not being so treated by the German military authorities. The Government of the United States, therefore, declares:
1. The soldiers of the Polish Home Army, which is now mobilized, constitute a combat force operating against the Germans.
2. The soldiers of the Polish Home Army are instructed to conduct their military operations in accordance with rules of war, and in so doing they bear their arms openly against the enemy and are provided with a distinctive emblem or with Polish uniforms.
3. In these circumstances reprisals by the German military authorities against the soldiers of the Polish Home Army violate the rules of war by which Germany is bound.
The United States Government, therefore, solemnly warns all Germans who take part in or are in any way responsible for such violations that they do so at their peril and will be held answerable for their crimes. |
