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

390.11 B 15/37: Telegram

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

Bern, February 23, 1944.
[Received February 23—9:45 p.m.]

1107. Am[erican] Interests—Hong Kong. Legation’s 4182, July 15.⁵ Swiss note February 18 states following situation Filipinos [in] Hong Kong August 1943.

Philippine citizens continued able communicate Red Cross representative Hong Kong. Despite Swiss efforts Japanese authorities maintained refusal financial assistance these persons. Japanese authorities declare requests relief should be addressed “Philippine Government, Manila”.

Japanese authorities also indicated they could not permit anyone be concerned with Orientals; in addition local authorities assist Philippine citizens. Out of approximately 300 Filipinos, some able find work, others on farms near Macao, remainder receiving financial assistance.

As reported Legation’s 6384, October 11,⁶ substantial number Hong Kong Filipinos taken Philippine Islands aboard Teia Maru.

Harrison

5. Not printed; but for summary, see Foreign Relations, 1943, vol. iii, p. 1025, footnote 31.
6. Not printed; it reported 182 Filipinos were removed to the Philippines (701.0090/2498). The Teia Maru was the vessel used by Japan to effect the second exchange agreement with the United States. For correspondence on this subject, see Foreign Relations, 1943, vol. iii, pp. 867 ff.