 The interviews were also described as being not propaganda but out of sympathy with the enemy, such sympathy as only "bushido" could inspire.The effect on Americans was tempered by subtle messages imbedded by the prisoners, including such comments as the declaration they were allowed to continue to wear the clothes they had been captured in.As early as the Bataan Death March, the Japanese had "The Manila Times" claim that the prisoners were treated humanely and their death rate had to be attributed to the intransigence of the American commanders who did not surrender until their men were on the verge of death.