390.1115A/1315: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 7—2:12 p.m.]
5702. American interests—Far East, internees. Department’s 2573, November 17. Swiss Consul General Shanghai telegraphs December 1 following:
“My representatives in outports and I not succeeded up to present obtain authorization visit internment camps. Semi-official sources report Japanese authorities opposed all inspection by Protecting Power and Intercroixrouge but seek collaboration residents associations for handling practical questions. Since Japanese authorities responsible for care internees, I have discontinued all relief payments.
As result representations obtained promise Japanese authorities furnish internees suitable quarters [and] food, have heard however commandants Tsingtao, Chefoo camps propose charge internees, while at Shanghai residents associations been requested furnish at own expense not only main meals but also objects first necessity. In answer to representations I made Japanese authorities stated associations collaborate voluntarily and their intervention authorized in interest internees themselves who in majority probably not accustomed to Japanese food.
Committee representatives America, British, Netherlands Associations occupied itself with furnishing necessities. In first 2 weeks spent about $120,000 CRB69 for maintenance of about 350 persons interned Shanghai, is also receiving increasing number requests purchase necessities for camp installation, already spent about $150,000 CRB, finally Japanese authorities refuse all responsibility heating camp which costs about $60,000 CRB monthly.
Committee wishes do everything its power give minimum living requirements to internees, wants know what extent can count on financial support interested governments.
Desire know whether under these conditions can insist Japanese authorities themselves pay for maintenance internees (which might possibly influence them against increasing their number) even if this involves question authorization given associations to assist internees. [Page 832] Any case, must be expected Japanese authorities will not take sufficient measures, therefore, desire especially know what way and what extent am authorized give relief internees. Personally hope authorization will be given grant monthly relief up to 5 pounds sterling per person considerable number internees in position reimburse sums advanced but as cannot go camps would have great difficulty obtain promissory notes.”
- Central Reserve Bank notes, issued by the Japanese-sponsored regime at Nanking.↩