740.00115A Pacific War/800: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15—10:35 p.m.]
7162. Department’s 2000, August 19; Legation’s 6867, November 2.53 Telegraphic accounts from Swiss representatives Far East covering 12 months ended June 30, 1943, show following relief payments which Legation has converted into United States dollars at average transfer rate for Swiss francs during that period: Tokyo, dollars 46,169.98; Shanghai, 635,404.04; Bangkok, 831.88; Saigon, 11,240.81; grand total dollars 693,646.71.
Figure given above for Saigon covers 18 months ended June 30, 1943, as no breakdown available to Legation for calendar year 1942. Of 64,431.33 piastres equivalent dollar amount given above 54,203.39 appeared in 1942 accounts.
Following is breakdown Shanghai total by quarters: Third quarter 1942, dollars 144,606.51; fourth quarter 1942, 156,794.17; first quarter 1943, 272,049.93; second quarter 1943, 61,953.43.
It may prove useful in connection with Shanghai figures to point out changes which occurred in Central Reserve Bank dollar rate. This was $7,955 CRB for one Swiss franc during third quarter 1942, 8.5733 during fourth quarter, 8.894 first quarter 1943, and 21.73 second quarter.54