393.1121/110: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2—12:25 p.m.]
1317. American interests—Far East. Swiss Legation Tokyo telegraphed March 24 that Japanese Foreign Office gave in substance following reply to message contained Department’s 283, January 31, concerning arrest American citizens by Japanese police at Shanghai:
“[Here follows list of seven Americans arrested by military authorities.]
Their arrest due to fact that inculpation of espionage rather evident. Affair pending at moment. Treatment those charged obviously different from that of internees.
Japanese Government does not share viewpoint American Government as to Geneva Convention whose application Japanese Government has admitted for internees [mutatis] mutandis as far as possible under condition of reciprocity. Except for seven Americans arrested, several hundred American citizens at Shanghai are submitted to no restrictions except control of their property rights. Besides they still have right to bring (legal) action enjoying thus complete protection of the law. It should be pointed out that great difference exists between their situation and that of numerous Japanese nationals who are deprived of liberty and interned in camps in United States.”