701.0090/1628: Telegram

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

3560. American interests Far East. Repatriation. Department 1311, 2d. Summary telegram June 10 Swiss Consulate Shanghai follows.

Compilation new passenger list as requested will necessitate complete reregistration all American nationals because present list prepared basis conditions prevailing prior to general assembly.39 Many Americans who at that time either failed apply for evacuation or expressed desire depart only with a later ship or who did not wish separate from other family members eligible in a lower category might have changed their minds since general assembly occurred. Compilation this data from all Americans concerned will entail considerable time and before proceeding with reregistration request confirmation that my interpretation new evacuation plan is correct.

This is my understanding of new priority: (1) persons in close arrest; (2) women and children including males up to 21 years; (3) seriously ill men; (4) men who repatriated their families in accordance with prewar advices [from] Department; (5) outport residents who do not qualify for inclusion 1 to 4; (6) aged who do not qualify for inclusion in 1 to 5; (7) quasi officials who do not qualify for inclusion in 1 to 6; (8) officers and employees American organizations sent out by such organizations who do not qualify for inclusion in 1 to 7; (9) other Americans who do not qualify in any of foregoing categories; (10) mixed families comprising aliens.

Swiss note June 12 states contents Department’s 1333, June 4, not received Shanghai when foregoing despatched.

Harrison
  1. For message informing the Department of general internment of Americans in China, see telegram No. 743, February 1, from the Minister in Switzerland, p. 959.