Office of the Historian

740.00115 Pacific War/1558: Telegram

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

Bern, April 24, 1943.
[Received April 25—2:14 a.m.]

2559. American interests China. Treatment British internees. Foreign Office April 20 reports British Government requested Swiss transmit certain observations Japanese authorities regarding treatment British internee camps occupied China. Following reply received which Swiss Foreign Office states applies equally Americans detained these camps.

  • “1. Rations. Civilian internees China object closest attention competent authorities. Rations described considerably better those received Japanese troops stationed vicinity camps and Japanese residents China. Also above rest population these regions. Despite difficult circumstances authorities consider tastes, habits internees, provide food differing completely oriental food, for example bread, meat, milk products, fruit, coffee, et cetera. Difficulties this respect much greater than British Empire where internees usually subject local food regime. According statement British Government, internees [in] Japanese hands would appear prefer food served Japanese troops and local inhabitants to present regime. If so Japanese Government ready meet request but in view taste internees and other reasons fears such measures would only have deplorable consequences for internees.
  • 2. Health internees received full attention Japanese authorities. Regular and special medical inspections in camps. Doctors dispose [dispense?] necessary medicaments. In general health internees described good.
  • 3. Transmission. Correspondence constantly improved. Naturally mail arrives destination certain delay view present difficulties postal communications.
  • 4. In principle visits authorized except when unusual circumstances render impossible.”
Harrison