701.0090/1729: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 4—10:41 a.m.]
4714. American interests Far East exchange. Foreign Office notice dated yesterday states Japanese Foreign Ministry informed Gorgé verbally that, while without reply his memorandum of July 13 to American Government,59 the Japanese Government had requested Spanish Government urgently to inform the Department60 its readiness to carry out second exchange at Mormugão about September 28 provided American Government’s response was satisfactory. Vessel Teia Maru would be used and departure from Yokohama fixed August 26.
Japanese Government desires earliest possible response American Government its memorandum July 13 and views of Department regarding dates proposed.
Japanese Government will communicate near future characteristics vessel, itinerary and dates any ports of call. Japanese desire prompt [Page 892] information concerning itinerary and dates, ports of call Gripsholm in order obtain necessary safe conduct. Japanese request confirmation whether characteristics Gripsholm identical those exchange 1942.
Swiss Foreign Office note today advises according oral statement Japanese Foreign Office to Gorgé Japanese Government has submitted all its Allies request necessary safe conduct. German Government replied no objection in principle to grant safe conduct and that necessary instructions this effect will be given. German Government added however that it wished to be informed earliest possible regarding exact itinerary of Gripsholm as well as daily statement ship’s position, adding it would grant safe conduct on condition that assurance given by American Government in Department’s 1192, May 9, 1942,61 remained in effect.
Japanese Foreign Ministry promised Gorgé early written confirmation foregoing.62
- Memorandum No. 169, Ex. 108.03, July 21, from the Spanish Embassy, not printed; but see telegram No. 1781, July 28, to the Minister in Switzerland, p. 890.↩
- Memorandum No. 202, Ex. 108.03, August 6, from the Spanish Embassy, not printed.↩
- Not printed; it contained assurances of safe conduct and that the Gripsholm would not be requisitioned by the American Government (701.0090/138q).↩
- Written confirmation was reported by the Minister in Switzerland in telegram No. 4837, August 9.↩