740.00115 P.W./10–1044: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
3573. American Interests China. Reurtel 6760 October 10. Department is gratified that Fontanel has been able to visit seven civilian assembly centers in Shanghai area. The request by Swiss Foreign [Page 1062] Office gives insufficient basis upon which to judge accurately the needs of American nationals interned in occupied China. However the authorizations contained in Department’s 3482 October 10 may supply part of the needs of the internees. In the circumstances, inform Swiss Foreign Office that the equivalent of $50,000 may be made available to Fontanel as a special additional allotment to be used for most urgent requirements of internees for purchase of food, clothing, medicines or other necessary purposes or for relief in cash or in kind or for both methods combined. In the circumstances receipts from the internees will be considered unnecessary under this special allotment. Fontanel’s specific recommendations for further increased financial assistance for internees and for additional emergency expenses will be given sympathetic consideration. A statement of the number of interned American national recipients should be included in the recommendations.