740.00115A PW/8–1544: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 16—11:40 a.m.]
5297. American Interests—Philippines. Department’s 2475, July 20.89 Following substance of Swiss note August 10:
Gorgé observes as previously that he fully agrees American Government’s view and always endeavored consider practical execution of plans for assistance without taking question of competency into account. As observed Swiss note summarized Legation’s 4042, June 24.90 Gorgé inquired of Jap Foreign Office whether Jap Government would authorize him to transfer $25,000 monthly to Swedish Legation; Jap spokesman appeared surprised at question thus raised and stated inquiry would be ordered in agreement with War Ministry with view thorough examination problem general assistance prisoners and internees Philippines. As Japanese had not communicated their decision, Gorgé again made representations August 5 at Foreign Office which informed him of following declaration Japanese military authorities:
Owing special situation of Philippines, Japan has not recognized and is unable permit activity of Intercross in that country, and is no [Page 1047] longer able permit activity YMCA. Activity which representative latter organization had been able exercise heretofore and which had simply been tolerated by local authorities must therefore cease.
Japanese Government declares, however, that protecting Power shall always have possibility requesting authorization transfer funds for assistance prisoners. However, these funds, in case said authorization given, must be transmitted to Japanese military authorities at Manila, and these latter will decide manner future utilization these funds. End declaration.
Foreign Office informed Gorgé that Swedish Minister strongly insisted YMCA be given authorization continue Philippines activity but this Japanese replied in foregoing sense by note containing following statement,
After having consulted interested authorities, it has been decided that no steps in assisting POWs and civilian internees in Philippines can be taken henceforth unless necessary funds be transferred on authorization of War Ministry to POW and civilian internee camps under Japanese control in Philippines. End statement.
Japanese Foreign Office further observed to Gorgé that it would be absolutely impossible for YMCA continue purchases in kind which made thus far without recourse to military authorities because such purchases fall within general food rationing regulations of that country.
Owing foregoing decision YMCA and Intercross no longer able handle relief for POWs and civilian internees and this task henceforth incumbent upon protecting Powers. Gorgé states that under these conditions American Government will have to decide whether it can authorize monthly transfer amounts indicated Legation’s 5217, August 11. In affirmative, POWs might receive relief as has been the case thus far for civilian internees. Aside from current financial relief, Department might also consider transfer of certain amounts for local purchase supplementary foodstuffs provided Japanese authorities agree. Gorgé notes this agreement not obtainable without difficulty because economic situation that country must be very difficult. Immediately upon receipt necessary instructions, Gorgé will make every effort take all appropriate action pursuant new procedure prescribed by Japs.
Gorgé will seek delivery receipts signed by men of confidence of camps, if Department considers receipts from Jap military authorities insufficient.
He adds for purpose information that relief in kind previously furnished POWs and civilian internees by YMCA representative possible only as result accidental circumstances which could only be considered temporary; even if this formerly tolerated action could have been maintained, YMCA funds certainly would no longer be [Page 1048] able make purchases as heretofore as acquisition such large quantity supplies would doubtless be impossible because situation Philippines is hardly better than Japan.