740.00114 Pacific War/202: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 22—9:55 p.m.]
2515. American interests China, advances to prisoners of war. Legation’s 1724, March 16. Consulate Shanghai telegraphs:
“Delegate Intercroix discussed [at] length with Japanese authorities question financial relief prisoners of war. Japanese showed great repugnance permit Consulate pay prisoners of war money from American Government. Have refused thus far authorization such payments. Reason (Legation’s 2339, April 14) is fear United States will require Japanese repay money advanced American prisoners of war.
[In] view [of] these conditions suggest all financial relief American prisoners of war be paid directly by delegate Intercroix Shanghai who has greater facilities this respect than Swiss representative.”
Foreign Office requests examination this suggestion. If approved, desires know if Department will remit required funds Intercroix Geneva or Consulate Shanghai for payment to local delegate Intercroix.