740. 00114A Pacific War/42: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
1242. Your 398 February 4 American interests—Japan. Department refers to telegram no. 8276 from International Red Cross Committee at Geneva to its Washington delegate44 quoting communication from Japanese Red Cross to effect that Japanese authorities are taking following measures with reference to 1929 Geneva Wounded [Page 812] and Sick (Red Cross) Convention: First. All enemy medical personnel designated Articles 9 to 11 who have fallen into Japanese hands will be treated in accordance with Article 12 paragraph 1 but such treatment is reserved exclusively to the possessors of distinguishing mark and identification paper of Article 21. Second. Those who commit acts harmful to enemy other than those covered by Article 8 will be taken prisoner although they possess distinguishing mark and identification paper. Third. When persons mentioned in Article 12 paragraph 1 are detained without opening way of return and because of military requirements they will be charged with care of wounded and sick.
Please request Swiss Government to inform Japanese authorities that American Government has taken note of measures stated to have been applied by Japanese authorities, that similar measures are being applied by American authorities, who request official confirmation of Japanese Government’s position in regard to this matter. Inform the International Red Cross of your action.45