740.00116 European War/7–2744: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
Washington, July 31,
1944—7 p.m.
6032. For Pell. This relates to your 5986 of July 27.
- 1.
- In view of the fact that the functions of the War Crimes Commission are essentially investigative and advisory in character, it is hardly seen why it should make its work the subject of publicity.
- 2.
- In as much as statements regarding treatment of war crimes may have a direct and serious bearing on matters of a military character, no public statement regarding the Commission’s work should be made without the prior approval of the highest political and military authorities.
- 3.
- Any statement regarding offences against Axis nationals in Axis territory, as suggested by you, would be highly inopportune and might well be regarded as a license and encouragement to perpetration of further atrocities against people whom we desire to protect as far as possible.
- 4.
- It is not desired that you should associate yourself with any communiqué or other publicity regarding the work of the Commission except such as has been approved as indicated in paragraph 2.
- 5.
- Matters relating to war crimes at this juncture are too delicate and their possible implications are too far-reaching to be dealt with except with the greatest degree of caution.
- 6.
- It is desired that these views be brought to the attention of Ambassador Winant and to that of your colleagues.
Stettinius