740.00114A Pacific War/266a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
2699. Request Swiss Government to communicate to Japanese Government that this Government and Japanese Government being parties to the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and the Sick of the Armies in the Field, this Government proposes in accordance with Article 12 of this Convention that the repatriation of the personnel protected under Articles 9, 10 and 11 of [Page 830] the Convention be begun since a way exists for their return on the ships used for the exchange of civilians.
This Government furthermore proposes on reciprocal basis that the right of repatriation be waived for captured sanitary personnel needed and permitted in prisoner of war camps or hospitals to render medical assistance to compatriots in their care at the time of their capture, it being provided that the decision as to whether such personnel is needed be made by the senior medical officer of the unit captured, and for chaplains who may volunteer to remain with their compatriots provided that they are allowed to carry on religious services for their compatriots.
This Government’s attention has been directed in this regard to the staff of the Cavite Naval Hospital of which Captain Lyle J. Roberts was executive. It is understood that this personnel is now at Manila. Reference is also made to the sanitary personnel of the United States Armed Forces captured on Guam which is understood to be in Japan.
An early reply would be appreciated.