701.0090/10: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
Washington, May 13, 1942.
1234. American interests—Japan. Your 1971, May 8. Japanese Government should be informed as follows:
- 1.
- United States Government notes that misunderstanding regarding accommodation of Belgian, Netherlands and Greek officials and non-officials has apparently now been removed and that they will accompany British party leaving Japan.
- 2.
- United States Government has made all arrangements for use of Swedish S. S. Gripsholm, formality of signature of charter for which is expected momentarily. Gripsholm is expected to leave Göteborg in near future. Definitive date of departure from United States which will be within first 10 days of June will be announced to Japanese Government as soon as confirmation obtained of departure from Sweden. It is noted that Japanese Government has selected Asama Maru and Conte Verde for transportation of American party to Lourenço Marques and that number of passengers to be accommodated on these vessels approximately equals number of passengers which can be carried on Gripsholm.
- 3.
- United States Government hopes to have Gripsholm arrive at Lourenço Marques by earliest July 6 and by latest July 10. Confirmation of exact date will be provided as soon as possible. It is noted that vessels from Japan are to arrive at approximately same time.
- 4.
- United States Government confirms that 622 persons so far named in communications from Spanish Embassy will so far as physically possible be embarked on first exchange vessel. United States Government points out that communications from Spanish Embassy are arriving almost daily, each communication containing two or three names of persons often in remote areas of other American Republics and that transportation of some of these persons to New York or Rio de Janeiro in time to embark on first exchange vessel may be impossible through no fault of United States Government and associated governments. It is noted that Japanese Government desires its nationals who were forced to leave Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador or Peru to be given priority over other Japanese nationals.
- 5.
- It is noted that all American nationals from Hong Kong who wish to leave by the first exchange vessel will be afforded the opportunity to do so.
- 6.
- It is noted that a statement of the Japanese attitude regarding the United States nationals who are imprisoned may be expected in the near future.
- 7.
- Please request Grew be informed.
Hull