701.0090/1709a
The Department of State to the Spanish Embassy
The Department of State refers to previous correspondence with the Spanish Embassy in charge of Japanese interests in continental United States concerning the repatriation of Japanese nationals.
Among the Japanese who have been named by the Japanese Government for inclusion in the exchange and who are willing to be repatriated there are many persons who are seriously ill, physically or mentally. In some cases the attending physicians have indicated that travel might be seriously injurious to their health. In a few cases of physical illness the individuals concerned are willing to sign a waiver of responsibility in order to return to Japan.
Since the individuals referred to have been specifically requested by the Japanese Government the Department is prepared to provide appropriate facilities for their travel to the port of embarkation and appropriate care for them on the exchange vessel. It is desired, however, that the Japanese Government promptly notify the United States Government that it will assume all responsibility for the effects which the journey may have upon the well-being of these individuals. There would be no objection on the part of the United States Government if the Japanese Government were to arrange that the Japanese on board the vessel will among themselves undertake to care for these persons during the voyage.