740.00115A Pacific War/97: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland ( Harrison ) to the Secretary of State

1581. American interests—Thailand. Swiss Consul, Bangkok, telegraphs April 15: Contents Department’s 666, March 13, communicated Thai Foreign Office March 21 and contents Department’s 727, March 20, communicated March 27.

Consul’s telegram continues (English text):

“[Ministry for] Foreign Affairs communicated on April 14: ‘With reference to the proposed exchange of nonresident citizens now under negotiations with the United States of America, begs to state that the Imperial Japanese Government have now consented to allow all the American resident citizens in Thailand who desire to be repatriated to travel by the Japanese ship which is to convey the American diplomatic and consular personnel as well as the American non-resident [Page 931] citizens in Thailand to the place of exchange. As however it is a case of repatriation and not one of exchange, His Majesty’s Government are prepared to allow the American resident citizens in Thailand who so wish to be repatriated but inasmuch as it is a case of repatriation the United States Government should bear the cost of the entire journey of those American resident citizens who desire to be repatriated as per lists no. 5 and 6 forwarded to the Consulate with the Ministry’s note 2442/2485 of March 10 (see Legation’s 1336, April 248). As the Japanese ship will be leaving Saigon at the end of this month an urgent reply is requested so that arrangements can be made in time’. Awaiting your instructions.”

Harrison
  1. Not printed; lists 5 and 6 dealt with residents desiring to proceed to the United States and to India, respectively (740.00115A Pacific War/63).