740.00114 Pacific War/185: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 7—8:21 p.m.]
2185. American interests China. Department’s 666, March 1842 transmitted Swiss Consulate Shanghai. Replies following:
“Representative Consulate visited camp 3 hours and half constantly accompanied by Colonel Otera, camp commandant, two other officers, two interpreters. Had impression senior American officer and all prisoners interviewed avoided speaking [about] disciplinary measures, replying general terms vaguely to questions asked.
Certain however camp commandant does everything possible assure welfare prisoners, view shared Intercroixrouge delegate. Believe above information should not be subject protest to Japanese Government as such protest might have unfavorable consequences. Believe preferable insist obtain authorization visit camp monthly, permission talk freely prisoners according Geneva Convention.”43
- Not printed; it inquired whether the Swiss representative in the Shanghai area had been permitted to interview the prisoner of war spokesman in the Kiangwan camp without witnesses and whether the spokesman could give him information concerning discipline and sickness (740.00114 Pacific War/166).↩
- In airgram No. 503, November 24, the Minister in Switzerland reported a visit by the Swiss Consul General at Shanghai to the Kiangwan camp on November 4. The latter was unable to converse with the prisoners but felt their treatment seemed better in certain respects than that accorded Japanese soldiers. He concluded that “Japanese authorities intend apply principles Geneva Convention but in their own way.” (711.93114A/24)↩