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

124.546/180c: Telegram

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

Washington, August 30, 1943—3 p.m.

2112. The Spanish Ambassador telephoned Mr. Long and said that he had received a telegram from the Japanese Government requesting an immediate response. He said the Japanese Government asked whether the United States Government would be willing to establish direct contact between the American and Japanese Legations in Bern.

Mr. Long asked the Ambassador whether it was for general application or if it was in regard to the Gripsholm. The Ambassador replied that it was not clear from the telegram.

Mr. Long told the Ambassador that he might answer the telegram to this effect: for purposes of completing the exchange of the Gripsholm the American Legation would be glad to be in direct touch with an officer of the Bern Foreign Office who could in turn be in direct contact with the Japanese Legation.

The Ambassador said he would reply to that effect and would subsequently send the Department a memorandum.¹⁰ Mr. Long stated that our answer¹¹ to the memorandum would be to the effect above indicated.

Please report immediately any reason for this request which you may ascertain of the Swiss Government and be prepared to carry out the plan as it may be agreed upon.

Hull

10. No. 267, Ex. 108.03, August 30, not printed.
11. August 31, not printed.