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

740.00115A PW/12–1844: Telegram

The Chargé in Switzerland (Huddle) to the Secretary of State

Bern, December 18, 1944—11 p.m.
[Received December 19—9:53 a.m.]

8216. American Interests—China. Department’s 4185, December 12 and previous regarding unreasonable CRB dollar exchange rate. Foreign Office notice December 15 states Swiss Legation, Tokyo, instructed make representations to the Japanese Foreign Office in effort to obtain more equitable rates for transfer to Swiss Consulate, Shanghai, necessary relief for Americans, British and Dutch.

Swiss Foreign Office suggested Gorgé examine possibility that funds be transferred at rates adapted at [to?] cost of life which would permit establishment fixed budgets in Swiss francs for relief. Gorgé discussed foregoing with Japanese Foreign Office which hesitates take up again this problem with competent Ministries for it sees no possibility of success. Gorgé adds however that Japanese authorities fully understand his representation but that Japanese themselves encounter similar difficulties in making payments to Japanese subjects China.

Notwithstanding foregoing Japanese Foreign Office following Gorgé’s insistence agreed examine situation and give reply in near future.

Huddle