740.00115A Pacific War/393: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State

1759. American interests, Japan—civilian internees, Guam. Department’s 2641, November 5.27 Department’s 2641 communicated Japanese Foreign Office by Swiss Legation. Following reply:

“Japanese Government has [in] principle furnish[ed?] internees needed clothing, therefore when internees clothing [in] good condition or receive clothing third parties or protecting power, Japanese Government considers not obliged supply. Japanese authorities ordered needed shoes Guam internees.”

Gorgé called attention Japanese Government if clothing given internees third parties or Swiss Legation, this due neglect competent authorities. Gorgé expressed hope in future authorities better meet needs internees.28

Harrison
  1. Not printed; it expressed the Department’s expectation that the Japanese Government would reciprocally furnish clothing, linen, and footwear without cost to prisoners of war and civilian internees (740.00115A Pacific War/299).
  2. In telegram No. 830, April 3, to the Minister in Switzerland, the Department approved Gorgé’s position and expressed the hope “that he will continue to urge Japanese to fulfil their obligations under Article 12 of Geneva Convention.” (740.00115A Pacific War/393)