711.94114A/11–1744: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:12 p.m.]
7605. American Interests—Far East. Foreign Office note November 14 states Swiss Legation, Tokyo, accords financial assistance to all American prisoners of war and internees in Far East as requested Department’s 3183, September 14, and in accordance with procedure adopted in transmitting funds to American civilian internees Philippines. Japanese Foreign Office asked Swiss Legation establish assistance plan on basis of lists furnished by Japanese Prisoners of War Information Bureau. These lists reveal 1013 prisoners of war Fukuoka, 89 Hakodate, 1974 Osaka, 1344 Tokyo, 980 Mukden, 257 Formosa, [Page 1071] 196 Thailand, 6 Malaya and 36 civilians reported Singapore and 6 Burma.
Swiss Legation proposes fix relief at 15 yen monthly per person and it will insist that it be used preferably for collective purchases in accordance with Department’s 2860, August 19. Should 15 yen per person appear too much view lack purchaseable articles, Swiss Legation envisages reductions down to 5 yen monthly.