Office of the Historian

740.00115A Pacific War/7–2744: Telegram

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

Bern, July 27, 1944.
[Received July 27—10:47 p.m.]

4808. American Interests—China. Foreign Office note July 21 states Fontanel reports:

(1)
Cash monthly comfort allowances 2,000 CRB dollars payable internees permitting reopening canteens which now run in Shanghai region by Mitsudash (Fontanel being requested explain)83 which it is hoped will eliminate unscrupulous practices adopted individual Japanese contractors. Canteens to be supplied with articles current use and certain foodstuffs. View insufficient camp rations and increasing cost, Fontanel judges this relief not sufficient and proposes open new negotiations for increasing relief to at least 3,000 beginning August 1st. Following resumption relief payments Japanese suppressed July 1st transmission private funds to internees.
(2)
Payment hospital expenses for persons hospitalized outside camp against promissory notes resumed.
(3)
In addition regular relief Consulate will pay on recommendation responsible camp doctor against separate promissory notes medical and dietary relief to internees requiring special diet due age, illness or dental, ocular or orthopedic treatment.
(4)
Consulate will deliver as donations via Intercross against requisitions from camp representatives medical material such assistance for which promissory notes not obtained necessitated by insufficient Japanese supplies.
(5)
Consulate will furnish shoes and clothing on same basis as (4).
(6)
Advances will be made to cover special urgent needs such as transportation ill to hospitals or relatives to funerals.

Fontanel adds it not possible estimate expenses of (2) through (6) above but that supplies mentioned (4) and (5) will in part be taken from available stocks. Finally stresses that all expenses indicated are very necessary and recommends Department approve soonest possible.84

Harrison
  1. Telegram 4999, August 4, from Bern, reported information from Mr. Fontanel that the reference was to Mitsubishi, the “well known large Japanese commercial firm”. (740.00115A P.W./8–444)↩
  2. In telegram 2812, August 15, to Bern, the Department approved the increase to 3,000 CRB dollars as of August 1 (740.00115A Pacific War/7–2744).↩