740.00115A P.W./10–2644: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
3664. American Interests—Japan. Please request Swiss Government to inform Gorgé that United States Government has received information considered reliable which indicates that Father Joseph Thomas Kotrba, a United States missionary attached to the Catholic Society of the Divine Word at Kire, New Guinea, was taken into custody by the Japanese military authorities under the command of “Captain Owe” when Father Kotrba arrived on February 7, 1943, at the Mission station at Bogia, New Guinea. He was deprived of all of his personal belongings, was put under strict guard, was for one day tied up, was threatened to be shot or bayoneted, and was otherwise mistreated. On February 12, 1943, he was required to leave Bogia with a Japanese officer and a non-commissioned officer.
It is also reported to this Government that in June 1943 an unnamed Japanese officer is understood to have made the statement that Father Kotrba “had been shot while trying to escape at Wewak”.
Please request that Gorgé handle this matter in same manner as matter discussed in Department’s 3532, October 16, and telegraph pertinent developments.83
- Telegram 8304, December 23, 7 p.m., from Bern, reported that “inquiry conducted by Japanese authorities regarding Kotrba’s death gave no result.” (740.00115A P.W./12–2344)↩