File No. 763.72114A/268
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall)
3272. Your 5375, October 24, 1 p.m.1 Department instructs you to request Spanish Embassy, Berlin, to protest vigorously to German Government against—
- (1)
- Forcing any American prisoners of war to work in mines;
- (2)
- Compelling any American prisoners of war to work while ill or not physically fit to do so;
- (3)
- Compelling any American civilian prisoners to work at all except in connection with their own care and upkeep and the care and upkeep of their own quarters.
Spanish Embassy should insist that American prisoners be immediately freed from labor in mines and from all work when physically unfit to work.
Spanish Embassy should also insist that the robbing and loss of parcels must cease. The United States Government is not disposed to accept attempts of German Government to throw blame of non-receipt of parcels upon agencies handling same prior to arrival in Germany.
Spanish Embassy should also insist that all American merchant marine officers at Brandenburg be removed to officers’ camp and should call to attention of German Government that, despite fact German Government stated through the Prussian War Ministry that David Johnson would be transferred, he is still there according to latest information. It should also be brought to attention of German Government that German merchant marine personnel interned in United States only do work connected with their own care and upkeep and care and upkeep of their own quarters.
In view of the latter situation in this country, it is not considered advisable to protest against forcing Captain Oliver and Chief Mate Richardson to draw a cart in which parcels were taken to camp.
- Not printed.↩