740.00114 Pacific War/171: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland ( Harrison ) to the Secretary of State
Bern
, March 16,
1943.
[Received March 16—7:53 p.m.]
[Received March 16—7:53 p.m.]
1724. American interests China. Department’s 393, February 15. Swiss Consulate Shanghai telegraphs March 5.
- “1. As advances to prisoners of war not great benefit in camp, principal consideration [is to] make available ‘comfort allowance’ to permit purchases according ‘request list’ by senior officer of supplementary food supplies as sent camp [by] Intercroixrouge. Senior officer will transmit [to] Swiss Consulate through Intercroixrouge receipt for supplies. Consul will attach original vouchers. This procedure simplest, most suitable meet relief request recently presented by senior officer.
- 2. Reference second paragraph Department’s 393, consider intervention at Shanghai useless regarding right claimed by Swiss representative interview internees without witness as Japanese authorities occupied China cannot take decisions such questions. Recommend intervention Tokyo and again insist obtain authorization regular monthly visits prisoners of war camps.”
Foreign Office instructed Gorgé make suggested intervention Japanese authorities.
Harrison