701.0090/1775: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
1999. Your 5013, August 17. American interests Far East—repatriation. United States Government is sincerely desirous of effecting exchange as soon as possible and is preparing to deliver the Japanese citizens whose names have been furnished the Japanese Government at Marmagão on October 15.
The United States Government would appreciate receiving final approval from the Japanese Government of the list as submitted with the understanding that the persons in the United States are available to the Spanish Ambassador representing Japanese interests88a and that he has access to each one at any time he desires and has had access during the whole period of his responsibility as a representative of the Japanese Government.
The United States Government expresses the hope that the Japanese Government understands that it will take the Japanese vessel about 2 weeks to proceed to Marmagão but it will take the Gripsholm about 6 weeks actual sailing time from New York. Further, it will be necessary to make a stop to pick up Japanese members of the exchange at rio and at Buenos Aires or off Montevideo on the river Plate. The draft of the Gripsholm when loaded may not permit the ship to make the voyage up the channel to Buenos Aires. Consequently, arrangements are being undertaken with both local governments to transport the Japanese who would board at Buenos Aires by steamer across the river to deeper water near Montevideo if necessary. An additional stop must be made for fuel in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on the way around the Cape. However, with the exercise of great diligence the United States expects to be ready to load the vessel with the exchange parties and with the agreed Red Cross cargo and to sail not later than September 2.
Under the circumstances and acting in entirely good faith the United States Government requests the Japanese Government to inform [Page 908] it within the next 7 days or by Thursday August 26, Washington time, the composition of the American party.
A request for safe conduct in usual form for part of the voyage from the United States to Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo follows this telegram immediately. A safe conduct for the rest of the voyage to Marmagão will be worked out and request therefor will be made in the immediate future.89 Early grant of the safe conduct on the part of Japan and her associates in the war will be requested and a response at the earliest possible date is desired for sailing of the vessel on September 2.
Request for safe conduct for the return voyage will be made in due course.
American Government is gratified that the exchange appears imminent.