Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

340.1115A/2402: Telegram

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

Bern, undated.
[Received January 22, 1942—2:31 p.m.]

221. American Interests—Relief.

1. Reference Department’s 439, December 31, 6 p.m.¹⁰ and subsequent telegrams regarding financial relief in enemy territory. As desired by Department Swiss Foreign Office is making funds available and authorizing its representatives in Shanghai and elsewhere in Axis territory to make emergency relief payments to destitute Americans and is also requesting them submit estimates and other data for relief purposes.

2. Matter of continuing relief payments indefinitely as seems contemplated by Department has been discussed with Foreign Office officials and in agreement with them following observations and recommendations submitted for Department’s consideration in establishing procedure for such relief payments.

3. It is advisable allow Swiss representative on spot to decide within set rules what applicants in his district should receive relief rather than require reference all applications to a central agency for decision which would entail delay and telegraphic expense in extending relief.

4. In its 439 Department indicated it would desire relief accorded only to Americans qualifying under provisions circular 3382, August 12, last,¹¹ however, it is not feasible for Swiss representatives to apply criteria set forth in that instruction as they primarily require decision as to applicants American character and connections in lieu thereof but with a view to carrying out the purpose of the instruction while also simplifying procedure for the Swiss representatives, it is suggested that right to relief be determined by recent Departmental recognition of citizenship. Accordingly it is proposed that the Swiss representatives in charge of American interests be authorized to make continuing relief payments to any destitute American (a) who is bearer of unexpired American passport (b) who was issued an American passport since say January 1, 1939 and (c) who was registered as an American citizen at an American Consulate since say January 1, 1939. Payments to such persons being suitably increased for needs their American or alien wives and unmarried minor children residing with them.

5. In cases of other applicants claiming American citizenship Swiss representative will forward by mail or by telegram considering urgency and distance following data to Swiss Foreign Office for transmission by this Legation to Department for its decision in case after examination of citizenship records and possible investigation of applicants references and resources in United States: name of applicant, place and date of birth, and name and address of nearest relative or friend in United States. This of course may result in considerable telegraphic expense but seems necessary to avoid inflexible rule which might leave loyal citizens here and there in distress unless Department should allow complete discretion to Swiss representatives in paying relief to any person producing evidence American citizenship.

6. Relief payments will be made periodically at rates approved by the Department following receipt of information requested by its telegram 50 of January 9. Payments will be for ordinary subsistence (food, lodging and clothing) not in excess of minimum necessary therefor except that Swiss representatives in their discretion may make single payments for extraordinary bodily needs such as for urgent medical, hospital and dental care.

7. Receipts for relief payments will be forwarded to this Legation in triplicate, one copy remaining in the Legation which will forward remaining copies to Department with accounts. Individual receipts will be obtained unless it should be necessary submit collective receipts as in case of group of internees. Receipts will show name, local residence, place and date birth and evidence American citizenship in addition amount received and date. (Query—does Department desire receipts include promise repayment?)

8. Funds for relief payments will be allotted by Swiss Foreign Office upon receipt periodical estimates by Swiss representatives. Allotments will be made to principal representative in each country who will supervise distribution relief therein by subordinate representatives. His office will particularly maintain central index of Americans receiving relief in country to prevent duplicate payments.

9. Persons entitled to receive relief must be without funds of their own and unable to obtain funds from relatives, friends or employers except that those [with?] resources in the United States or elsewhere upon which they cannot draw momentarily may receive relief if qualified as above until they can obtain their own funds (matter of transmission private funds will be dealt with by Legation in subsequent telegram to Department).

10. Requests for relief payments received by Department or Legation from applicants themselves or persons interceding shall be referred by Legation through Swiss Foreign Office to Swiss representative concerned for handling according above procedure.

11. Upon institution above procedure emergency relief payments shall cease.

12. Foregoing relates only to American citizens and not to Filipinos in regard to whom instructions respectfully requested with particular reference method identification applicants, establishment claims to relief and amounts desired paid after consultation President Quezon as indicated in Department’s 134, January 17.¹²

Huddle

10. Foreign Relations, 1941, vol. i, p. 433.
11. Ibid., p. 413.
12. Not printed.