390.1115A/1742: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State

81. American Interests—China—Civilian Internments. Foreign Office note December 31 states Swiss Consulate, Shanghai, telegraphs that Japanese authorities convoked for December 22 about 150 Americans, British and Dutch who previously exempted internment view health for segregation and departure December 29 to new camp established near Chapei camp.

Several convokees seriously ill suffering dysentery, ulcers on same terms [sic], heart trouble and require constant medical treatment and strict diet. Others had been exempted to care for bedridden. Under the circumstances Japanese action causes worry especially as camp affords insufficient diet, medical care and heat.

Swiss Consulate finally notes that these measures coincide with publication local press reports attributed Japanese repatriates Teia-Maru2 [Page 920] to effect Japanese interned American countries received brutal treatment.

Harrison
  1. Vessel used by Japan to carry out exchange agreement with the United States in 1943. For correspondence on exchange agreement, see Foreign Relations, 1943, vol. iii, pp. 867 ff.