State Department

"Any general bombing of an extensive area wherein there resides a large population engaged in peaceful pursuits is unwarranted and contrary to principles of law and of humanity."  (Sept 28, 1937)

"The United States regards as barbarous ... the bombing of unfortified localities with the resultant slaughter of civilian populations. ... Such acts are in violation of the most elementary principles of those standards of humane conduct which have been developed as an essential part of modern civilization."  (June 3, 1938)

U.S. State Department, quoted in John Dower, War Without Mercy, p. 38.