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

711.94114A/12–1944: Telegram

The Chargé in Switzerland (Huddle) to the Secretary of State

Bern, December 19, 1944.
[Received December 20—12:27 p.m.]

8221. American Interests—Thailand, Japan. Department’s 3197, September 15, and Legation’s 6487, September 29.⁸⁹ Foreign Office note December 12 states Japanese Foreign Office has informed Swiss Legation Tokyo that February 11 order does not exist.

Japanese Foreign Office adds that Japanese authorities continue observe international regulations regarding conduct war and that they expect enemy states adopt same attitude. Japanese Government desires draw serious attention of American Government to acts directly contrary to international regulations committed by enemy aviators during attacks against Japanese forces⁹⁰ and requests that orders be given so that such illicit acts are not repeated.

Enemy aviators who will have committed in bad faith obvious violations of recognized customs will be held responsible for acts in accordance international law in same manner as enemy soldiers of other categories who commit similar acts.

Huddle

89. Latter not printed; it reported that contents of telegram 3197 had been delivered to the Japanese Foreign Office on September 26 (711.94114A O. T./9–2944).
90. For correspondence on this subject, see pp. 1175 ff.