Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1918, Supplement 2, The World War

File No. 763.72114/3065

The Chargé in Switzerland ( Wilson) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Berne, November 26, 1917, 11 a.m.
[Received November 28, 6.50 a.m.]

3016. For Red Cross:

Am forwarding report of Spanish inspectors dated November 1¹ on camp at Brandenburg, containing 28 American prisoners of whom 19 distributed in working camps, stating that treatment and discipline good but—

(1) Barracks, especially regarding heating, lighting and exposure to rain, unsatisfactory;

(2) That petty officers Kline and Roop compelled to work;

(3) Dr. John W. Brown, medical officer of Esmeraldas, detained contrary to Geneva convention.

Spanish Embassy has taken up these three points with Foreign Office. Food served unsatisfactory but prisoners are receiving packages regularly and appear not suffering in health or otherwise. Inspectors not allowed to converse without witness. I suggest that you secure, if possible, confirmation of Doctor Brown’s medical status. Dresel.

Wilson

1. Not printed.