Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, The Far East, Volume V

711.94114A/7–844: Telegram

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

Bern, July 8, 1944—10 p.m.
[Received July 8—8:23 p.m.]

4367. American Interests, Japan. Department’s 2115 and 2116 both June 21.⁷⁰ Swiss note July 5 states Gorgé replied American Government’s views will greatly assist him in continuing negotiations with Japanese. Observes he already used in conversations Jap Foreign Office virtually all arguments American Government advanced. However, considering that arguments would carry more weight if pronounced by Department, Gorgé addressed letter July 1 to Shigemitsu fully setting forth American attitude.

During conversations Jap Foreign Office recent weeks Gorgé only able obtain confirmation that question is continually under study but difficulties which thwart solution not concealed from him. Jap spokesman especially insisted on fact that occupied territories are now in zone of operations and added that if American authorities held Jap prisoners, for example on Marshall Islands, United States Government would also doubtless hesitate authorize camp visits. Without desiring interpret this as possible refusal, Gorgé believes it may be considered factor demonstrating difficulty of military authorities in effecting solution.

Gorgé added with view avoiding possible misunderstanding that observations contained Legation’s 3076, May 13 did not signify that Jap Foreign Minister and Jap Government had given any pledge whatsoever but only that Shigemitsu had promised examine question camp visits without being able guarantee positive results. End summary note.

In handing above cited note to Legation Secretary, Swiss Foreign Office official stated informally that Gorgé’s telegram also expressed belief that if British Government for tactical reasons would forward statement similar that contained Department’s 2115 expressing views corresponding those made by American Government his position would be considerably strengthened. Department may wish consult London.⁷¹ Foreign Office official added Gorgé cited to Japanese precedent contained Department’s 2050, June 14, and left memo June 30 Jap Foreign Office. Reply awaited.

Harrison

70. Latter not printed, but see footnote 66, p. 985.
71. On August 2, the Department inquired of the British Embassy whether the British Government would forward a statement similar to that in Department’s telegram 2115; the Embassy responded on August 17 that the British Foreign Office was sending instructions to the British Minister in Switzerland to make similar representations. (711.94114A/7–844, 8–1744) However, in view of a written declaration by the Japanese Foreign Minister, the substance of which had been conveyed to the Foreign Office by the British Minister on August 8, the position was thought to have changed slightly and therefore the Swiss Minister in Japan was being given discretion as to whether or not to make use of the British communication to the Japanese Government. The written declaration stated that Thailand recognized the right of Switzerland to protect British and American rights within its borders but, according to the Japanese concept, this did not extend to prisoners of war camps, which were administered by Japanese military authorities, and admitted the possibility of allowing representatives of the prisoners to sign receipts for relief, rather than the Japanese camp commandants. Similar information on the declaration was conveyed to the Department in despatch 8979, August 10, from Bern (711.94114A O.T./8–1044).