Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

740.00115A Pacific War/512: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State

Bern, July 17, 1943.
[Received July 17—10:14 p.m.]

4245. American interests Far East. Department’s 538, March 6; Legation’s 3723, June 22. Legation Tokyo telegraphs:

Distribution relief effected by camp Executive Committee. Arranged send Committee through Gaimusho³⁶ necessary instructions use funds, establishment [of] receipts, et cetera.

Japanese in principle agreed payment similar relief Americans interned other parts Philippines. Also promised examine question future payment relief internees Manila and other camps by Executive Committee.

Meantime received through Japanese military authorities following list all [in] pesos prepared by Executive Committee immediate needs [and up to?] 6 months 7,000 interned American civilians including families still liberty:

(1) Shoes, clothing, bedding, linen, toilet articles 175,000.

(2) Hospital and medical care: (a) bedding, mosquito nets, linen, et cetera 50,000; (b) medical, pharmaceutical equipment 16,000; (c) medicaments including anesthetics 84,000; subtotal 150,000.

(3) Hospitalization outside camp 20,000.

(4) Monthly financial relief families liberty 75,000.

(5) Monthly financial relief 3,000 indigent internees 180,000; [Grand] total 600,000.

Articles listed paragraphs 1, 2, 3 unobtainable or insufficient quantity Japan, therefore necessary examine possibility sending exchange ship. List prepared Executive Committee caused Foreign Office certain surprise but nevertheless stated Japanese Government agrees in principle send articles requested for Manila internees on exchange ship as in first exchange. Japanese, however, emphasize volume articles shippable depends available space, length [and] stay [of] ship [in] exchange port, therefore quantity only ascertainable later.

Harrison

36. Japanese Foreign Office.