390.1115/3313: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland ( Harrison ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:44 p.m.]
2193. American interests—Shanghai. Legation’s 2014, May 11, Department’s 1253, May 14.46 Swiss Representative Shanghai telegraphs May 16 as follows:
“Thirty-two Americans residing occupied China have been arrested by Japanese gendarmerie. According to reliable information which Swiss Chargé d’Affaires Shanghai has been able gather most of these people are detained in Chinese prisons with common criminals under deplorable hygienic conditions. Swiss Chargé d’Affaires also states that despite many efforts he has made with Japanese authorities in occupied China it has not been possible for him up to the present to visit prisoner of war camps which are near Shanghai and he has not been able to obtain any exact information regarding conditions under which prisoners are living. Only available information is that published by Domei Agency which Swiss Chargé believes should be accepted with reserve.”
In forwarding this message Foreign Office adds that it immediately telegraphed Swiss Minister Tokyo requesting him to take all necessary steps with Japanese Government so that Swiss representatives in occupied China be authorized visit American citizens under arrest [Page 813] and that these be freed in time to be repatriated on the first exchange vessel.
Legation has expressed to Foreign Office its appreciation for prompt report its representative in Shanghai and for its message to Swiss Minister Tokyo. At the same time Foreign Office has been requested to ask its Minister at Tokyo to make strongest possible protest against placing them in Chinese prison with common criminals as contrary to every international usage.
- Neither printed.↩