740.00114 Pacific War/176: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 23—11:51 p.m.]
1853. American interests Japan. Department’s 79 January 11th, Legation’s 487 January 21st.34 Swiss Legation Tokyo telegraphs March 13 following reply Japanese Foreign Office:
“Prisoners of war bodies possession Japanese given honorable treatment inspired by Japanese traditional sentiments. In future will be buried according desire expressed American Government except special cases when competent authorities obliged proceed incineration.
[Page 975]As no treaty or agreement contains stipulations regarding exchange bodies when peace established, Japanese Government considers premature make decision this subject now.
Documents concerning deceased prisoners of war after official burial prisoners of war camp and wills treated according dispositions adopted for Japanese soldiers. Inquiries proceeding regarding circumstances death prisoners of war shortly after combats.”
Legation adds requested Japanese Foreign Office explain dispositions referred to last paragraph.
- Latter not printed; it reported that the Japanese Government had been notified of the contents of Department’s telegram No. 79 on January 18 (740.00114 Pacific War/128).↩