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

711.94114A/1–1745

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

Bern , January 17, 1945—6 p.m.
[Received 10:50 p.m.]

338. American Interests—Japan—POW Repatriation. Legation’s 8144, December 15. Foreign Office note, January 15, states Swiss Minister, Tokyo, received from Japanese Foreign Office memorandum dated January 6 to effect Japanese Government cannot consider exchange proposed Department’s 3933, November 18. Gorgé adds Japanese memorandum indicates no reason for refusal and that Chief of Division Foreign Interests of Japanese Foreign Office was not able furnish explanation.^76a

Huddle

1. In telegram 162, January 10, noon, Bern reported a Japanese Foreign Office spokesman, in a discussion with Mr. Gorgé, could give no assurances of an exchange arrangement because “final decision rests with military authorities” (740.00115 PW/1–1045).