390.1115A/837: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 22—4:59 p.m.]
2241. American and British interests—Far East, repatriation officials and non-officials. Foreign Office informs Legation that it has received note from British Legation Bern stating British authorities will be unable effect exchange British and Japanese officials and non-officials at Lourenço Marques before August 15, Note continues.
[Page 423]“As soon as Japanese Government confirms that they agree to this date His Majesty’s Government will inform Imperial Japanese Government of names of ships to be used for purpose of exchange assuming that points outstanding in Anglo-Japanese negotiations have by then been satisfactorily settled.
The entirely new proposal made in Japanese Government’s communication of May 14th that the United States and British exchanges should take place simultaneously furthermore has necessitated consultation with United States Government whose views on this point are awaited.”
In communicating foregoing, Foreign Office refers to Japanese Government’s intention to effect exchange with United States and with United Kingdom separately on one or more than one vessel but states that in order to assure security of navigation Japan deems it desirable that these vessels travel together.