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

711.94114A/12–2944: Telegram

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

Bern, December 29, 1944—9 a.m.
[Received 11:21 a.m.]

8404. American Interests—Far East—Prisoner of War Financial Relief. Department’s 4032, November 29. Foreign Office note December 23 received December 26 states Swiss Minister, Tokyo, recently telegraphed he requested Japanese Foreign Office authorize monthly transfer following sums: (a) For prisoners of war detained Tokyo 60,000 yen, Osaka 85,000, Fukuoka 45,000, Hakodate 4,000, Formosa 12,000, Manchukuo 42,000, Malaya 300. (b) For civilians interned Burma 300 yen.

Regarding foregoing assistance Gorgé observes:

1. Japanese Foreign Office has on various occasions repeated that relief authorized should not exceed 20 yen. Under these conditions requests to increase relief to 43 yen (equivalent $10) would only result new examination by military authorities and would risk delay transmission funds. Swiss Legation, therefore, requested authorization send immediately at least half sums indicated above if competent Japanese authorities do not perceive possibility authorize without delay transmission 43 yen per prisoner of war.

2. Gorgé emphasizes that arrangements above indicated only include Americans not yet assisted. Consequently internees Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines not included.

3. Regarding Indochina, Gorgé refers contents Legation’s 8374, December 28, 10 a.m.,⁴⁶ and adds that internees at Singapore already assisted by International Red Cross.

4. Gorgé stresses that funds must be sent camp commanders and notes furthermore that delivery, et cetera, by Swiss Legation impossible view lack all articles on Japanese market. Purchases mentioned in the Legation’s telegram 6435, September 27,⁴⁷ for civilian internees at Kobe made on black-market with exceptional police authorization.

Huddle

46. Not printed; it reported that Gorgé was trying to arrange to send to the Swiss Consulate at Saigon sufficient funds to permit monthly payments of 43 yen, the equivalent of $10, to each prisoner of war in Indochina (711.94114A O.T./12–2844).
47. Not printed.