711.94114A/165: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
Bern, November 11,
1943.
[Received November 12—3:58 a.m.]
[Received November 12—3:58 a.m.]
7086. American interests—Japan. Foreign Office note November 5 received November 10 states Japanese Foreign Office replied as follows to numbered paragraphs Department’s airgram 256, July 17 regarding POWs interned Chikko, Hirohata and Kobe Camps.
- 1.
- Chikko–Osaka Kobe camps situated between two cities in region not unhealthy where Japanese reside. Barracks simple but considered sufficient. Guards occupy same.
- 4.
- Regulations Japanese Government regarding POWs’ mail are followed by competent authorities, regulations in force United States seem concern essentially civilian internees with families, friends there because one business letter weekly authorized not applicable POWs, furthermore dispositions taken regarding number letters POWs American hands authorized remained ineffectual because until now no letters from them arrived Japan but even if advantage taken possibility offered number letters would be small relative letters received and sent American POWs Japanese hands for latter more numerous. Reciprocity requested United States Government does not seem justify itself.
- 6.
- POWs receive regularly clothing, underwear, shoes.
- 7.
- POWs work shorter hours Japanese workers and have in addition holidays.
In transmitting foregoing Swiss Legation notes no reply to paragraph 5 Department’s airgram but states Japanese Government already replied (see Legation’s 4316, July 2091).
Harrison