711.94114A/7–2944: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland ( Harrison ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 29—11:12 p.m.]
4885. American Interests, Far East. Department’s 2362, July 10. Foreign Office note July 25 states Swiss Legation, Tokyo, reports it has been corresponding for long time and regularly with civilian internees [Page 991] Japan. Legation Tokyo Delegate during recent visit various camps was able, with approval Japanese authorities, inform POWs that they might write to Swiss Legation. Gorgé again intervened Japanese Foreign Office so that POWs be informed of right to correspond with Swiss Legation and that Japanese authorities offer all facilities for correspondence. With reference first paragraph Legation’s 1288, March 3, Gorgé notes he will again intervene Japanese Foreign Office if Swiss Consulate, Shanghai, reports difficulty in corresponding with POWs of [or] civilian internees occupied China.72
- In telegram 6944, October 19, the Minister in Switzerland stated: “Swiss Consulate Shanghai reports it can correspond satisfactorily with civilian internees regarding purely administrative questions. Civilians however do not seem authorized write to Consulate to submit complaints or report disciplinary measures taken against them. Consulate has only received few letters from POWs at Kiangwan.” (711.94114A/10–1944)↩