740.00114 Pacific War/118: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
Washington, February 5,
1943.
300. American interests—Far East—prisoners of war. Legation’s 301, January 14.2 Request Swiss authorities to bring to the attention of Japanese Government following points:
- 1.
- Canteen should be provided in accordance with Article 12 Geneva Prisoners of War Convention.
- 2.
- Non-commissioned officers can be required only to do supervisory work (see Article 27).
- 3.
- Article 44 of Convention provides that all facilities shall be accorded agents of prisoners for their intercourse with the protecting Power. Department therefore requests that agents of prisoners be permitted to correspond with Swiss Legation whenever they desire.
- 4.
- Ministers of religion prisoners of war should be allowed to minister fully to members of same religion in accordance with Article 16.
- 5.
- Refer to Department’s 32, January 4 concerning mail.
- 6.
- United States Government expects Japanese Government to bring its practice into line with treaty provisions with least possible delay.
Request Swiss to inform Department of Japanese reply to above points.
Hull