Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

740.00115A Pacific War/554a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)

Washington, August 5, 1943.

1873. American interests—Far East. Please approach Swiss Foreign Office in following matter in regard to shipment of relief supplies to American nationals held by the Japanese.

Japanese Government has requested that all matters concerning relief cargo on exchange vessels be handled by Intercross⁶³ exclusively and not simultaneously by Protecting Powers concerned (Geneva’s 236, July 21⁶⁴). This Government and Amcross⁶⁵ have agreed to this request.

Amcross has today telegraphed to Intercross requesting latter to inform Japanese authorities that in view of the fact that Japanese Government has agreed to receive and distribute relief supplies sent on exchange vessels and since this is the only means by which at present such supplies may be shipped, it is expected that Japanese exchange vessels will remain at Goa until all relief supplies destined for distribution to Allied nationals in Far East are loaded or until capacity of such vessels is reached. Intercross has been requested to inform Japanese authorities that American authorities will accord full cooperation in facilitating onward transmission and distribution of relief supplies sent on exchange vessels by Japanese Red Cross for their nationals in the United States and in that connection will hold the American exchange vessel at Goa until all Japanese supplies are taken aboard or capacity of that vessel is reached.

In view of the extensive official correspondence concerning the carriage of relief supplies on the exchange vessels, this Government feels that it is not inconsistent with the agreement mentioned in paragraph 1 above for the question of holding the exchange vessels at the exchange point until they are fully loaded with relief supplies to be taken up also through official channels. It would be appreciated, therefore, if the Foreign Office would instruct Minister Gorgé to support the request made by Amcross in regard to the holding of the Japanese exchange vessels at Goa until they are fully loaded, stressing at the same time the reciprocity in this regard which has been assured by the American authorities.⁶⁶

Hull

63. International Committee of the Red Cross.
64. Not printed.
65. American Red Cross.
66. In telegram No. 5777, September 16, the Minister in Switzerland reported a statement by the Japanese Government that the Teia Maru would remain at Goa between October 15 and 21 to load relief supplies, and Japanese Government’s desire that the American Government be informed in order to ensure that loading operations be concluded before the latter date (740.00115A Pacific War/614).