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

740.00115A P.W./9–1144: Telegram

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

Washington, September 26, 1944—9 p.m.

3320. Reurtel 5994 September 11,¹ American Interests—Philippines. Express to Gorgé Department’s deep appreciation for all his work on behalf of Americans in Philippine Islands and its full realization of difficult conditions with which he has to contend.

Because of extreme solicitude of the Government of the United States and its people regarding the welfare of American nationals detained by the Japanese, Department, in efforts to leave no possibility of furnishing adequate relief unexplored, has made repeated requests for reports on the needs of internees in the Philippines. Department had hoped that the detaining Power might eventually agree to transmit information as to the internees’ needs. It seems, however, from Gorgé’s report that the Japanese have failed to transmit requests which internees may have made or that confusion has arisen on this subject.

In view of this situation and the very great increase in cost of living (Reurdes 8753 July 17² and unofficial sources) and because of the reported increase in number of internees (Reurtel 4414 July 11³), you may authorize Gorgé to increase, effective September 1st, to the equivalent of $100,000 the amount transmitted monthly to civilian internment camps in the Philippines for benefit of all internees and their uninterned destitute dependents in same manner as has been done with monthly remittance of $37,500.

It is hoped Gorgé will be able to effectuate transfer of the increased monthly remittance as unofficial sources indicate that Japanese permitted Dutch internees, numbering about 45, in the Philippines to receive from their Government through Department of External Affairs a monthly allotment of 80 pesos each for relief. It is estimated that the amount herein authorized will be somewhat less than 80 pesos per capita for each internee and uninterned destitute dependent.

Telegraph when increased amount is transmitted to Philippines. If the $100,000 monthly is insufficient, additional funds will be authorized.

Hull

1. Not printed.
2. Not printed.
3. Not printed; it reported that Japanese military authorities had again interned British, American, and Dutch priests and missionaries on the ground that they were “engaged in espionage and other undesirable activities in the Philippines.” (740.00115 P.W./7–1144)