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

711.94114 Supplies/10–2444: Telegram

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

Bern, October 24, 1944.
[Received October 24—4:55 p.m.]

7057. American Interests—Japan. Legation’s 6981, October 21. Foreign Office note today contains summary three Japanese notes dated October 18, 19 and 20 received from Swiss Legation, Tokyo, by telegram October 21. Following is translation:

“Primo: Japanese Foreign Office requests American Government pay directly to Soviet agents Nakhodka possible charges arising from shipments relief supplies and correspondence.

Secundo: Soviet Government informed Japanese Embassy, Moscow, August 25 agreement to entry Nakhodka of Japanese vessel capable transporting 1500 tons of 1000 kilos relief supplies and correspondence. According to recent information [from] Intercross delegation Japan, merchandise actually on Soviet territory in Far East exceeds 3587 tons (2313 metric tons²²). Cargo capacity Japanese vessel which will be sent Nakhodka beginning November being about 2800 metric tons (approximately 1900 tons of 1000 kilos²²) Japanese Government is prepared to assure loading to this limit and requests American Government to make necessary representations Soviet Government in order that necessary instructions given Soviet authorities Nakhodka.

Tertio: Japanese Foreign Office has requested Spanish Government to inform American Government that in accordance with agreement, it will load mail destined Japanese POWs and civilian internees and mail handled by Red Cross on Japanese vessel sent Vladivostok to carry American relief supplies. Mail will be unloaded Nakhodka and Japanese Foreign Office requests American Government to obtain authorization of Soviet Government for reforwarding United States.”

At Legation’s request Foreign Office urgently endeavoring obtain explanation from Swiss Legation, Tokyo, tonnage figures given paragraph secundo above.

Harrison

22. Telegram 8201, December 18, from Bern, reported receipt of a Swiss Foreign Office note stating a metric ton was a metric measurement ton, namely, 36 cubic feet, whereas a ton of 1,000 kilos was metric weight (711.94114 Supplies/12–1844).
22. Telegram 8201, December 18, from Bern, reported receipt of a Swiss Foreign Office note stating a metric ton was a metric measurement ton, namely, 36 cubic feet, whereas a ton of 1,000 kilos was metric weight (711.94114 Supplies/12–1844).