740.00115A Pacific War/16⅓: Telegram

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

514. American interests—Far East. Department’s 196, January 23.

1. Swiss Foreign Office telephoned inquiry to Minister Tokyo31 and Chargé d’Affaires Shanghai.32 Note February 4 says Minister Tokyo replico [replied?] stating inquiry does not take into account information given his telegram January 19 (see Bern’s 252, January 2433) and adding if he had proofs treatment accorded Americans left anything to be desired he would not have failed declare it and that on the contrary reports received from all cities mentioned except Hong Kong (with which he cannot communicate on American matters) do not permit him to conclude there is mistreatment.

2. Note February 6 quotes following telegram February 4 from Chargé d’Affaires Shanghai:

“According reliable reports, situation [of] nationals [of] enemy countries at Hankow, Tsingtao, Nanking, Chefoo and other localities very precarious following conditions imposed by Japanese authorities.34 [Page 798] Those citizens practically interned in their houses and cannot obtain their funds in bank, use telephone or receive visits. Work of my representative at Hankow extremely difficult as protected persons not allowed see me [him?] freely; relief by national committees cannot be organized because of prohibition against enemy nationals assembling and unless restrictions are not soon removed or Japanese authorities assume their maintenance, their situation will shortly become grave.”

Chargé d’Affaires adds he can obtain no assistance from Japanese Consul Shanghai who states he lacks authority, and recommends Swiss Minister Tokyo.

3. Note February 9 communicates further telegram February 6 from Chargé d’Affaires, Shanghai, as follows:

“Treatment Americans [in] Shanghai good, without restrictions, bank deposits frozen, withdrawals limited to 2000 local dollars monthly per person. At Peiping same conditions freedom of movement limited to interior walls and city. Tientsin conditions satisfactory: I hear that many obliged leave homes and must now live within the concession. At Nanking and Hankow freedom of movement limited and great difficulties obtaining money. Tsingtao: I hear that conditions are worse, many confined to homes. Continuing inquiries.”

4. Chief Division Foreign Interests of Swiss Foreign Office interviewed by officer this Legation regarding this conflicting information and Division Chief promptly agreed immediately telegraph Minister, Tokyo, accordingly and instruct him pursue matter and report further.

5. According oral information from Foreign Office received this morning Japanese Government has ordered all Swiss career consuls out of Japanese occupied territory. Foreign Office promises confirmation communication which will be telegraphed when received.

Huddle
  1. Camille Gorgé.
  2. Emile Fontanel, also Swiss Consul General at Shanghai.
  3. Not printed.
  4. In telegram No. 833, March 2, the Chargé in Switzerland reported a message of the Swiss Consul General at Shanghai that he knew “no special motive for alarm [at the] situation [of] Americans in Hankow” and that civilians at Nanking, Tsingtao, and Chefoo had restricted liberty, with several confined to their homes (390.1115/2034).