701.0090/2301: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 20—4:17 p.m.]
5850. American interests Far East repatriation. Legation’s 5789, 17th.40 Swiss Foreign Office states September 17 that Swiss Minister Tokyo reports when visited Teia Maru afternoon September 13 perfect organization and that embarkation caused no incident. He received no complaint. Japanese correct. He learned during interviews with evacuees that Finance Ministry representatives had done all possible facilitate formalities concerning funds which evacuees could take with them. Gorgé describes atmosphere Teia Maru excellent, nearly gay. He reports that, according Japanese Foreign Office, Japanese Government took pains so that accommodation so many people one boat offers maximum comfort. He visited provisional dormitories in public rooms, believes evacuees will be fairly crowded notwithstanding care taken in making provisional installations. Evacuees who are not traveling cabin will have only single mattress for bed. Gorgé finally reports among evacuees are two sick persons: Comber, number 18, Legation’s 4776, October 22, [1942], and Ross, Canadian, number 325, Legation’s 5751, December 8.41
- Not printed; it reported advice from the Swiss Minister in Japan that the Teia Maru would take 1516 persons to Marmagão and that “certain persons on list from occupied China are unable bear travel or do not desire repatriation. They will therefore have to be replaced.” (701.0090/2276)↩
- Neither printed.↩