VJ Day – August 14,2005 : Some Things to Remember This is the text of an order, issued August 1, 1944, by the Ministry of War in Tokyo , to the commandants of several POW camps- notably in the Phillipines. It surfaced during the War Crimes trials after WWII , and was cited by defendants who said they were merely obeying orders. “ When the battle situation becomes urgent the POWs will be concentrated and confined in their location and kept under heavy guard until preparations for the final disposition will be made. Although the basic aim is to act...