740.00115A Pacific War/780: Airgram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29—5 p.m.]
A–402. Aminterests, Japan, civilian internment camps. Department’s airgram 259, July 20. Foreign Office note October 13 states Swiss Minister Tokyo forwards following information regarding paragraph number 1 Department’s airgram under reference:
Following intervention Swiss Minister Japanese Foreign Office replied lodging Kobe [camp] number 4 sufficiently spacious. Foreign Office states Swiss delegate must have been unfavorably impressed as space available other camps much too ample, nevertheless Swiss Minister received from Swiss Consulate Kobe plans of camp and will intervene again with Japanese authorities.
Japanese Foreign Office states bathing facilities must suffice. Swiss Consul Kobe88 reports additional sheets issued by Japanese resulting three each internee from Guam. Clothing, however, not distributed.
Regarding food, Japanese Foreign Office stated gives great attention both quality and calories value and Swiss Legation should have no concern this regard.
Apart from Foreign Office communication, police authorities Kobe informed Swiss Consulate there it has no authority concern itself with internees’ food as this is not jurisdiction protecting power. Swiss Foreign Office note states Gorgé will not fail intervene this connection Japanese authorities.
With regard paragraphs 2 through 5, Swiss Minister will intervene with Japanese Foreign Office when receives report prepared Swiss Consul Kobe regarding present situation camp concerned.
- Maurice Champoud.↩