711.94114 Supplies/11–2544: Telegram
The Chargé in Switzerland (Huddle) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 25—7:12 p.m.]
7756. American Interests—Far East Relief Supplies. Swiss note November 25 quotes following communication from Japanese Foreign Office dispatched November 22 by Gorgé.
- “1. Hakusan Maru which loaded 2,000 odd metric weight tons of relief supplies (that is, whole relief supplies brought by Soviet ship which was in excess of ship’s normal available capacity) at Nakhodka, [Page 1072] unloaded at Rashin about 100 tons destined for POW and civilian internees Manchukuo and Chosen and upon entering port of Kobe November 11 unloaded remaining 1,900 odd tons in presence Intercross delegates, Japan.
- 2. Japanese authorities intend effect quickest possible manner transmission and distribution of the goods to POW and civilian internees in areas under Japanese administration. Transmission and distribution about 800 tons to recipients Japan proper already commenced and preparations being made for transmitting 1,100 odd tons China, Taiwan, Philippines and other southern areas including Thailand, French Indochina, Malaya and Java.
- 3. Japanese Government hope finish before Christmas transmission and distribution above mentioned 1,100 odd tons China and southern areas. But as it would not be possible dispatch a ship for this particular purpose relief goods will be carried by ships now plying between districts concerned either outward or homeward voyage. One ship will carry to Shanghai and Tsingtau and another to southern areas. From [the United States Government’s communications]36 the Japanese Government understand that these two ships will on both their outward and homeward voyages be afforded same guarantee as in case of the ship engaged in transport between Nakhodka and Japan in order that they will not be subjected to any attack, visit or any interference whatever by United States and Allied forces. As soon as confirmation this understanding received from United States Government, Japanese Government will notify Swiss Legation, Tokyo, of characteristics for identification, sailing dates and routes these two ships in sufficient time to ensure that notification reaches United States Government 7 days prior departure vessels. Time departure would depend on reply from United States Government but Japanese Government are prepared utilize spaces available in some ships sailing about end November or beginning December.”
Swiss Foreign Office official observes informally that telegram from Tokyo was garbled and suggests personally that perhaps word “from” at beginning fourth sentence point 3 above should possibly be deleted.
In view foregoing communication from Japanese Government please instruct whether Department desires transmit its 3979, 24th, in present form to Japanese.37