845.20/115
Press Release Issued by the Department of
State, August 12, 1942
August 12, 1942
The following statement of this Government’s policy has been made
a part of the orders to the American military forces in India:
[Page 721]
- “1. The sole purpose of the American forces in
India is to prosecute the war of the United Nations
against the Axis powers. In the prosecution of the
war in that area the primary aim of the Government
of the United States is to aid China.
- 2. American forces are not to indulge to the
slightest degree in activities of any other nature
unless India should be attacked by the Axis powers,
in which event American troops would aid in
defending India.
- 3. American forces in India will exercise
scrupulous care to avoid the slightest participation
in India’s internal political problems, or even the
appearance of so doing.
- 4. In event of internal disturbances American
forces will resort to defensive measures only should
their own personal safety or that of other American
citizens be endangered or for the necessary
protection of American military supplies and
equipment.”
