Question

Unknown to many residents of the state even at the time, over ten thousand German and Italian prisoners of war were kept in Florida camps during the war. Housed in a system of camps throughout the state, the POWs picked vegetables, harvested sugar cane, cut pulpwood, processed Florida’s massive fruit crop and even worked as custodial workers at undermanned military installations and Miami resort hotels.

American military officials adhered to the provisions of the 1929 Geneva Convention, which stipulated that captives must receive the same food, clothing, and housing as the troops of the home nation. One of the reasons why the POWs were kept secret was the fear that Americans might think they were being “coddled”—especially when compared to Allied prisoners held in Germany.

Why were Florida’s POW camps kept secret from the American public?

POW camps benefited the US economy, which may have been frowned upon.
POW camps were not allowed on US soil, according to the Geneva Convention.
The prisoners were treated poorly, which went against the Geneva Convention.
The prisoners were treated well, and there were fears that the public would disapprove.

Answer 1

The prisoners were treated well, and there were fears that the public would disapprove. The military followed the Geneva Convention and provided good food, clothing, and housing, but officials kept camps quiet to avoid public backlash that POWs were being “coddled.”