701.0090/10–143
The Spanish Embassy to the Department of State
No. 293
Ex. 108.03 VI
The Spanish Embassy presents its compliments to the Department of State and with reference to the Department’s Memorandum of September 9th, 1943, regarding the repatriation of fifteen United States Citizens from Japan on the second exchange, begs to transmit below a wire that has been received from the Japanese Government on the matter, through the “Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores” in Madrid, which reads as follows:
“Memoramdum—October 1st, 1943—Japanese Government formerly received from Swiss Legation in Tokyo in Charge of United States Interests in Japan, Note dated 8th September53 conveying communication of United States Government of similar purport. Views of Japanese Government on matter were at once verbally communicated to Swiss Legation on 8th September and Note was sent to Legation on 17th September.54 Japanese Government have made all possible efforts with view to expediting and amicably carrying [out exchange agreement and have?] exerted their efforts in order to comply with wishes of interested Governments regarding repatriation of nationals of United States and other American countries residing in Japan. Concerning certain number of such nationals (including [Page 939] fifteen persons in question) repeated request[s] were made by Swiss Legation and in compliance therewith Japanese Government made some of them embark, but as regards fifteen persons in question, it is regretted that Japanese Government, as was made clear since outset of negotiations, were unable to comply with American desire for such reasons as have already been explained. It came by American communication for first time to knowledge of Japanese Government that among Japanese evacuees who have embarked there are some persons who might have been prosecuted for espionage. Japanese Government have pointed out in several occasions that they believe that among those Japanese residents in United States who until [United] States Government declare to have refused to be repatriated, there are number of persons who as matter of fact desire to come home. Japanese Government have now received information, according to which message addressed by United States President to President of Senate on 14th September,55 reveals that United States Government intend to accord unduly discriminate treatment to Japanese nationals who have expressed desire to evacuate. It is presumed from this that undue pressure was brought to bear upon them when they were questioned as to their intention of evacuation or not. (Owari56).”