File No. 763.72114/2900
The Chargé in Switzerland ( Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 20, 10.35 a.m.]
1670. Department’s 813, August 1 [3], Legation’s 1510, August 24. In addition to 10 points mentioned for eventual agreement suggest:
- (11)
- Distinct understanding that noncommissioned officers should not be obliged to work except in supervision of the men, and that no pressure direct or indirect should be brought to bear to compel them to labor.
- (12)
- American prisoners to be kept in one camp as far as possible and in separate barracks.
- (13)
- Very desirable that prisoners should be permitted to return from work every night to main camp.
- (14)
- Tinned goods not to be opened before delivery to prisoners.
- (15)
- Men should be allowed cooking facilities such as gas stoves.
Am informed by Hoffmann, American representative of Christian Association in Berlin who came to Berne September 16, that attitude of German War Ministry is conciliatory towards American prisoners in view of large number of Germans in the United States, and that German Government may be willing to allow them special privileges if reciprocity assured. If endeavor made to secure these, would perhaps be advisable not to work through Spanish Embassy on account of its representation of other interests not having such privileges, but as suggested in Legation’s 1510 by means of special commissioners.