 This is the enemy, an enemy no longer to be feared, an impotent enemy whose fighting days are over. Prisoners of war who by their capture have been transformed from instruments of destruction into one of the most valuable sources of intelligence. Each of these prisoners is a potential mine of information about the enemy. True under international law, all a prisoner of war is required to reveal is his name, rank, and serial number. But the cases where this information alone is forthcoming are the exception rather than the rule. Of course, enemy airmen are not captured in this quantity, but like other prisoners they can be made to talk, not by violence but through a technique of interrogation carried on by a group of specialists, air interrogation officers, however one thing must be remembered. These men were individuals before they became regimented soldiers. Not only look like now are just prisoners, but this man may have been a scientist, a teacher, a writer, a philosopher, a politician, a businessman. Just as this man was an officer in the German army during the last war, a magazine writer of Italian-American parentage, a former missionary in Japan, a reporter on an American newspaper in Tokyo, a singer who studied in Italy, a teacher of German literature. Most of the others seated in this classroom beginning their education in prisoner of war interrogation are lawyers or business executives. A good interrogator must have four essentials, memory, tact, a wide military knowledge, and a fluency in one or more enemy languages. Only with this equipment can he carry on in the mental clash of prisoner against interrogator. Well, now that we've tabbed them, let's teach them. Prisoner of war interrogation, gentlemen, is one of the most important functions of intelligence. In PWI, the sole purpose of your examination of personnel, documents, or material is to provide information about the enemy to the high command and to all tactical units concerned with a maximum of completeness, accuracy, and speed. Conversely, the high command should keep you informed of all recent developments in the enemy's organizations, equipment, plans, and activities. In Germany, there are several distinct peoples. It's important to know their various dialects, customs, habits, and religious and social conditions. The more you know about your prisoner's background, the better you'll be able to deal with it. While these men concentrate on German history, economics, military language, politics, organization of the Luftwaffe, and so forth, other students are being taught the same things in relation to Italy and Japan. Once you start to become an air interrogation officer, you're in for a lifelong education crowded into just a few weeks. That's a Savoyer Marquetti SM-79 bomber and reconnaissance, powered by three 750 horsepower radios, top speed 295 miles per hour. Yes, they have to learn their aircraft, too. They never know when the crew of an SM-79 may drop in on them socially. Investors immediately after capture should be segregated in groups of officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates. They should also be isolated as individuals until they're interrogated, to keep them from conversing with one another over their captors. Yes. What about feeding them? That's out. No food, drink, or cigarettes until later. It's all part of the softening up process. How soon should the interrogation take place, Captain, say after a plane crash? The sooner the better. Doesn't a non-comm sometimes question a prisoner before he's interrogated? Yes, but only routine questions about name, rank, and serial number. Answers to which he passes on promptly to the AIO. Now, as soon as a prisoner is captured, his belonging should be taken away from him and turned over promptly to the AIO for thorough examination. The Japanese soldier is swaggering, self-confident, fanatically devoted to duty, and eager to achieve an honored place among Japan's heroes. Taking a prisoner is the worst possible disgrace that can befall him. When a Japanese captured, his commander orders a box of ashes sent to his family. As far as their concern, he's dead. Yes? You mean his wife and remarry? Legally. And instantly, she's in the mood. The emblem of the Air Force. The silver braid with two pips of yellow metal show he's a captain. The silver eagle and gold wreath show he's a pilot observer. The short wreath with three wings also show that he's a captain. The ground forces who capture air prisoners must turn them over immediately to the AIO for the first interrogation. After that, they can be interrogated and turned by the ground forces. Just as ground force prisoners, especially those who are attached to air drones or have any connection with the enemy air forces, should have a second interrogation by the AIO. Are there any questions? Yes. Major, should you take notes during an interrogation? No. And there are no exceptions to that rule. Put your notes down on paper right after you're through with it. Yes? What happens when an AIO who knows only German comes up against an Italian prisoner? Doesn't he have to use an interpreter? Interpreters are to be used only as a last resort. It's never as effective as seeing your prisoner alone. Make your interrogation as casual as possible. Try to make the prisoner feel that you're his friend. The first one he's met since his capture. Frequently during their course, these future AIOs hold practice interrogations with one student as interrogator, another as prisoner. And have you ever had any Spanish wine, Tinedi? Ah, yes, several times. And very good, too, I must say. Now, do you like it better than Italian wine? Oh, I don't like any wine. Oh. A cigarette? I don't smoke. Have you ever been to Spain, Tinedi? No. Well, are you interested in Spain? Do you ever think you might go there after the war? How should I know that? Maybe you might be even thinking of going there during the war, huh? Why did you have the Spanish dictionary in your plane? Just improving my mind. Who do you think you're fooling, Tinedi? Your name's right there on the cover. Why were you flying back to Spain? How could I go back if I've never been there? You must not lie to me. I only tell the truth. Now, don't try to give me that routine. Time? Time, gentlemen. We'll stop there. I'm going to ask for criticisms. Any volunteers? Yes, Lieutenant? It's not good to lose your temper that way. Space lose is such a dumb, good-natured type. Lieutenant Jones, what is your criticism of the interrogation? I think you press too hard for certain information. I've always tips the prisoner off that what you want is important. Excellent. Of course, as in practically everything that has to do with PWI, there's an exception to every rule except one. And that is, bait your hook to suit your fish. In other words, use your own common sense. On that excellent piece of advice, let's leave the classroom and go into the various theaters of war where we will see how actual air interrogation officers put into practice the education they received. Captain Schwartz, 73, AIO. I'll send material right over to look at the plane. Get the three of them up here as fast as you can. These are the personal belongings of the three prisoners, taken from them in the field, and sent on up ahead to intelligence. They are kept separately, just as each one of the prisoners is kept separately, without food, cigarettes, or conversation until he's turned over to the interrogation officer. In case you're an autograph hunter, this citation for bravery is signed by none other than Field Marshal Herman Goering. Oberleutnant Weidler must have been mighty proud of it to be carrying it into action. They found it in the lining of the sergeant's coat. What is it, sir? It's a theater ticket stub. Folk's Teata, 17th of June. From Stamperischer Hof. That means he bought it from the Colisears in the hotel in Munich. How can you tell, sir? Spent two years in Munich. Let's see, Hans Redo, master sergeant, Munich. The variant. He's a copilot, sir, 76 palm away. Copilot, they must be running out of officers. That's our latest dope on KG76. Right here, sir. Manning officer Oberleutnant Krul. Noble Leutnant Weidler of the 76 was knocked down by a spitfire last April. Same name as the lieutenant who was piloting this plane. Our man seems to have quite a record. Comes from Berlin, spent some time in Poland last year. Distinguished by his brutal treatment of the Poles. I think I'll start on Hans Redler first, he seems the most promising. I know something about those new Heinkel 177s. Besides, he's Bavarian, his lieutenant is Prussian. Maybe... Have him send Redo in. You get on the deck to fly. I let look. Now, Ferdinand Schade, does he pech your heart out? It's kind of slimmer the way it is inside. Doesn't he seek Ferdinand? I stay, lieber. Now, Ferdinand will be our respect and the trained air force. Special combat weight 76. As you hear, the crew is one of the best. Take care, they deserve it. Thank you, sir. Your family and men will be happy that you're out of danger. Will they experience that? I personally will do that. Tell me, Ferdinand, does Willi Schmidt still play in the Volkstheater? Yes. How did the Americans know about Willi Schmidt? That's not so strange. I've seen him before. And how does Mr. Ecker, the Bavarian courtman, still make a portion, a portion for you? Did you see my Bavarian court cocktail? I drank six of it when I was at home in June. You're right. You can pay more than you can. Did you have enough time to make an appointment? Yes, I was on my way to the new court. Three days of appointment? On the way from Russia? I didn't say that. Of course not. I only think one of your ears should be happy. Please calm down, Ferdinand. There's no need for a start-up. And if you're willing to be a widow, you can't do that either. You don't need to worry about that. I don't care about that. Really? I can't make that up anymore. That pricey, big snout. He didn't do the same impression. He bragged about it with his bright teeth. And you weren't even there. We flew a young 52-year-old, a transporter. Not as exciting as Mr. Heinkelmann. No. But... I don't know anything about a new Heinkel 177. But listen, Ferdinand, I don't demand that you reveal military secrets. We already know about a new Heinkel. Maybe more than yourself. I don't think so. You didn't fly as I did. Is that really so good? Wonderful! I flew from Roanach to Paris last month, in less than 30 minutes. So the interrogation goes on, and very successfully too, thanks to Captain Schwartz's training and common sense. You notice how he won the prisoner's gratitude by promising to inform his family of his safety, how he established immediate contact through mutual interest in the Munich Theater, how he played on the Bavarians' prejudice against his Prussian lieutenant, and how he pretended that he'd already seen Lieutenant Wadler and gotten information from him. How he pretended to know more about the new Heinkel 177s than the sergeant, thereby peaking his vanity and causing him to talk. As a result, he is now in possession of valuable information. He knows that KG-76 has been moved from Russia, that the sergeant has flown a new Heinkel 177, that they are probably based at Roanach. If Captain Schwartz thinks any information is sufficiently urgent, he will send a flash to headquarters. Then, he's ready for the next prisoner. Corporal Schloss. Stegestan! What's this for you to lose? I asked him, come to your room and be a soldier. How do you want to be an officer? My name is Schloss. I'm an officer. 1464 is my number. I'm not interested in that. Make sure that you're safe. If you take it on your own, you'll be treated on your own. If not... My name is... You know that we can give you a certain right of conduct, or you can bring it on your own. My name is... Argg! Put this prisoner by himself for a while. Yes, sir. No, soap that time, but that's all part of the game. Captain Schwartz very wisely realized that he had a tough nut to crack, so in order not to waste valuable time, he put him aside. A couple of days may make him a lot more pliable. In the meantime, there's... Wait a minute. Why is our AIO putting on wings? Another trick of the trade. He's about to interrogate a flying officer so it helps break the ice if he can talk as one flyer to another. Let's see how that works with Oberleutnant Weidler. Forget him, Mr. Oberleutnant. You've completely wasted your machine so you've lost one man. Thank you very much. Have a seat, please. How can I serve you, Mr. Oberleutnant? Would you like to eat? We didn't offer anything, yet you treat me respectfully. That's something we don't do with our war prisoners. I think so, John. I'm very sorry that you were misunderstood. I'm especially sorry to have called you a soldier. I'll make sure that the criminals are punished. Mr. Oberleutnant, I have to ask you a few questions. Then you can eat. Do you want to eat? Thank you very much. Mr. Oberleutnant, we're going to be in trouble. You belong to the... I wasn't born in 1976, was I? I didn't say that. You don't need to say that. I know that, John. Your resignation is signed. Tell me more. Mr. Oberleutnant Wädler, who was shot down last April, is there any explanation? Yes, my brother. But how do you know that? We know a lot, Mr. Oberleutnant. For example, that you flew a young 52-year-old Russian. Also that you are in the airport in Roan, where your fighter squad 76 is working with a new staff, Heinkel 277. That's not true. What's not true? That we are in Roan. So? But it's true that you were a Russian and that you are now using the new Heinkel. I have nothing to say. I'm absolutely right. I don't want you to ask anything. Although it's the same, in my opinion, you fight for a lost thing. You lose the war. You believe that, of course. But I would like to show you something, Mr. Oberleutnant. The proven evidence of the number of planes that you have lost alone in the last week. I assume that you don't know about this. We know more than you think. Despite all the losses, we still have enough planes left. I wouldn't say that. Where is the airport? If it's not in Roan. In Trondheim. In Trondheim? And how much did you lose this morning? Around 8 o'clock. Did you shoot me in the head? You were shot down at 5 o'clock. Pretty fast for a boy of 88, even impossible. The speed is the highest, 450 km. Maybe you lost something earlier. Yes, and maybe the airport isn't in Trondheim. I don't know if it's too dangerous in Roan. One of your people told me. Mr. Schweinrede, lie! No, you lie. We have the right to hear the date of the transfer. Yes, American, a transfer. I could forget the transfer and give it to one of our allies. In England? Who do you prefer? No, not England, Mr. Leutnant. Poland. You won't do that. Why not? Of course, if you were a bit more reasonable. Very good. Roan was right. Thank you, Mr. Robeleutnant. Now, what's the new plan for today? A touchdown for our side. Schwarz caught his prisoner in a lie. But if he hadn't known the cruising speed of a Junker's 88, he could have been fooled. That's why it's so essential for your AIO to know all about enemy planes. Captain Schwartz started off by being friendly. He didn't pan out. Then he tried the often successful method of assuring a prisoner that his side was losing and that failed too. However, by using the information he'd received from the sergeant, making Wadler think he knew more than he did and finally threatening him with Polish reprisal, the prisoner broke down. Immediately, he makes his report, evaluating his information, namely stating what he thinks is true or false in the light of his estimate of the prisoner's character. Intelligence, in turn, will do its own evaluation and dissemination. All right, let's leave the captain to his work and look in at another AIO. I'll give you back your stuff as soon as you answer any questions. I'll be grateful. Have you escaped for a miracle, Sergeant? I've been lucky. Do you believe in astrology? Hitler believes in astrology, but not me. And the other Germans at your base? I don't know what they believe, I don't care. Oh, it seems to me that even you like Germans. They work as slaves in Italy, digging the ground for them. Digging? Yes, defending plants. Yes, of course, defending plants. Tell me, Sergeant, how many years have you been an aviator? Ten, twelve years. Before I was an aviator, I was an aviator in Milan. An aviator? I'm an enthusiast of cars and cars. Have you ever heard of Ralti Palma? Yes, he's Italian, he looks like my father. Really? How is your experience? Are you just a sergeant? I'd like to know too. Too bad. Some of your officers don't know who owns the merit. Tell me, Sergeant, these defense plants, what exactly do they defend? Oh, this is military information, I can't give it to you. No, of course. Have you ever been to America? No, never. Great country in America. You would like it, especially Providence, Rhode Island. Have you read my letter? I can't hide anything from you. Yes, I read your letter. You must be a great man, your uncle. Oh, yes, a great man. Too bad you have to report him to the FBI. FBI? What is it? The American Security Police. Oh, like the German Gestapo? No, not exactly, but... Why do you have to do that? Your uncle and his other comrades live in America and send money here. They help our enemy. If we are indulged until now, we will no longer use it. No, the money was sent to my mother and sister, but no longer. She gave it to me and now she gave it to the fascist party. No, no, I never gave it to her. Never, believe me. And who knows? If I denounce it, they will remain. My mother will no longer receive money and... She sends everything now, eh? No, no, she doesn't send it to me. I swear, I didn't denounce it to your Gestapo. Do you forget to talk about it? I'll tell you everything. The defense systems of the new railroad, of the mission of my flight, of... One at a time, Sergeant. One at a time. The captain played his cards well. The Italian hatred of the Nazis, mutual interest in motor racing, the injustice of his not being more than a sergeant, encouraging the universal gripe about lack of promotion. You'll notice too that when he met resistance, he changed the subject, then came back to it. And finally, his ace card, Uncle Mario. That's where a careful study of the documents found on a prisoner is so invaluable. Well, time to leave the Italian arena and head east. This Jack pilot just bailed out of a smashed zero. That's what you said about Yamato Damashii. You've made progress, haven't you? If you were to be taken to Beigon again, you'd have been in trouble, haven't you? We'll take care of you. And we'll send you to your home so that you don't get in trouble. No. Please, don't do that. Why? You're happy, aren't you? No. Please, don't do that. I'll get hurt. I'd rather die. I want you to think I'm a warrior. You're too tired right now, so you'd better rest. Sergeant, take this prisoner to the doctor and have him treated carefully and see if he gets a good meal and a rest. We'll watch him every minute. Good morning. That's all right, Sergeant. How was it today? Thank you. How was the doctor? Thank you. I didn't think the British would be so kind. I'm going to ask you to name him. No. I'm going to ask you to name him. Please, don't do that. I want you to treat your family and your country as a dead body. I don't want you to forget that you've been kind to us. Of course. You're our enemies, but we don't hate you. You're already dead as Japanese, so why don't you follow us here? We don't want you to feel embarrassed about our country. We'll have to help you, too. We'll be able to make a lot of living in the future. How many times have you lived here? Yes, many times. I see. Can I ask you a few questions? It's too easy. It wouldn't have been if the interrogator hadn't known the psychology of the Japanese. That in war, capture is the ultimate disgrace and means that the prisoner is dead. So our job has decided to be as comfortable dead as possible. The lieutenant was short and direct. In fact, all the interrogations you've seen have been direct. There's also the indirect method when direct interrogation gets you no place. This German pilot, brought down over England, is in a prison hospital recovering from his wounds. And this man, as good an American as you are, is planted here to pose as a fellow prisoner of war. The first AIO who tackled this pilot couldn't even get to first base, so he decided to use the indirect method through this second AIO. It seems to be working, too. Hospitals are good places in which to share conferences. Another good place is this. This man was told that a contagious disease was floating around and prisoners had to be quarantined. For three days, he's been kept in a dark room without company or reading matter or entertainment of any kind. Now, he's being let out for exercise with a few fellow prisoners, among them an AIO, using the indirect method of interrogation. After three days of being penned up alone, this Italian feels like talking, especially to a supposedly disgruntled Nazi who shows contempt for the Nazi cause. A few kind words about how badly the Italians have been treated by their German allies, and our Italian officer is only too ready to confide in him. There's no masquerading here, just a convivial evening. You think so. This is work, loosening a prisoner's tongue, entertaining him with fellow pilots who by pre-arrangement will soon start boasting about their exploits and experiences, and it won't be long before Jerry tries to top them. And then this AIO will prove an interested listener. Hospital, quarantine station, dinner party. These aren't the only locales for indirect interrogation. You may dream up a better one. Every day on all our fighting fronts, these man-to-man contests are taking place. The advantage lies with the interrogator, but he has to know how to use it. Every prisoner presents a different problem, but Jack or German or Italian, all are human underneath. Our interrogator's job is to play upon those weaknesses to dig out the important information of the enemy's situation and capabilities to help make up the complete intelligence picture. On this depends every vital action from here to victory.