390.1115/4378: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland ( Harrison ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 8—5:29 p.m.]
3672. American interests—Japanese occupied territories. Legation’s 2295, May 27.49 Swiss Foreign Office states Swiss Minister Tokyo made repeated representations Japanese Government that Swiss representatives be authorized visit according article 86 Geneva Convention prisoners [of] war and civilian internees camps these regions50 but Japanese Government persisted refusal. According telegram August 1 from Swiss Legation Tokyo, Japanese Government continues this attitude.
Japanese Foreign Office informed Swiss Minister on principle not to recognize representation foreign interests in territories occupied by Japanese armed forces. Japanese Government cannot allow Swiss representatives visit prisoners and civilian internees camps without departing from this principle. It consents however make exception Shanghai on condition that authorization visits be requested competent authorities that place.