77.84114A/12–2044: Telegram
The Chargé in Switzerland (Huddle) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—7:10 a.m.]
8235. American Interests—Japan—Intercross. Legation’s 8204, December 18. Substance Committee letter December 18 received today [Page 1014] stated following proposal received from Japanese Minister Foreign Affairs containing these conditions.
- “1. That only such POW camps and internment camps be visited that do not cause obstacles to military operations of the Japanese forces.
- 2. The visitor shall be a person residing on the spot who shall be recommended by the International Committee and approved by the Japanese Government.
- 3. That this representative shall carry out his visits acting in the capacity of an agent for the time being of the International Committee of the Red Cross Delegation in Tokyo.
- 4. That this arrangement shall be carried out on the principle of reciprocity; that is on condition that the United States, British and Allied Governments concerned shall permit delegates of the International Committee to visit POWs and civilian internee camps where Japanese subjects are detained in areas under the administration of the United States, Great Britain or an Allied country and in particular in respect of the United States Government on condition that they should permit visits to the POW camps and internment camps where Japanese subjects are detained in New Caledonia, Saipan, Tinian and Guam.”
If foregoing conditions agreeable parties concerned Japanese Government proposed visit following camps: Santo Thomas, POW camp Singapore and POW hospital Thailand.
Japanese Government intimated prepared consult Committee’s delegates Japan regarding details for placing proposal in operation.
On receipt of foregoing proposal Committee advised Japanese Government it accepted first three numbered conditions and that terms fourth condition would be immediately submitted American, British and Allied Governments. Committee proposed to Japanese following representatives: Schweizer, Committee correspondent for Singapore, Salzmann, Committee Agent Bangkok for Thailand, Bessmer, for Santo Thomas.
Committee further informed Japanese it would submit names additional representatives for visiting camps remaining occupied territories not mentioned in communication from Japanese Foreign Minister.
Committee letter concluded with request foregoing be communicated Department with request for early reply. Additionally Committee requested, since Japanese mentioned Allied Governments, for Department’s reply to be made in consultation with Allied Latin American Governments.91 Communication same nature addressed by Committee British Minister, Bern.
- In a memorandum of March 8, 1945, to the Chief of the Special War Problems Division (Plitt), Augusta B. Wagner of the same Division stated that Allied Latin American Governments had not been consulted since the Japanese Government had not requested it and “as it would cause further complications and delay in replying.” (711.94114A/2–2845)↩