Morality in Wars, Present and Past

Russian targeting of civilians in Ukraine has rightly caused outrage around the world. It is valuable to remember, however, that Russia is not alone in its willingness to target civilians as it seeks to achieve military or geopolitical goals. Other examples worthy of examination include the “rape of Nanjing” by Japanese soldiers in China and the British “counterinsurgency” tactics during the Boer War. Another example worthy of consideration is America’s strategic bombing of Japan during WWII. The 2 atomic bombs are well known, of course, but the firestorms which came first did far more damage and killed far more civilians. During the first months of 1945, soldiers like my father in the US Chemical Warfare Service were responsible for preparing and loading over 32,000 tons of incendiary bombs for use against Japan. Although napalm was the weapon of choice, the same bombs could have been filled instead with mustard agent or other toxic chemicals.

Hoosier Scientist has posted a 20-page, then-secret WWII document, “Chemical Warfare Digest,” from the US XXI Bomber Command. It details the ground preparations, designed to maximize the effectiveness of the firebombings as a way to force Japan to surrender unconditionally. It is important to realize that the most important “condition” of surrender that the Allies refused to discuss was for the Japanese Emperor to remain in power. During the war, the Allies insisted that Emperor Hirohito (like Hitler and Mussolini) had to be completely removed from power. After the surrender, however, the Allies chose to let Hirohito continue as Emperor.