740.00115A Pacific War/1131a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
1295. American Interests—Japan. Department has received reliable information that Japanese authorities have provided almost no fuel for heating the quarters occupied by civilian internees at Kobe. Please request Swiss authorities to point out to the Japanese authorities that in the climate existing at Kobe considerable quantities of fuel for heating are necessary if the quarters are to be considered sufficiently heated within the meaning of Article 10, Geneva Prisoners of War Convention, when it is applied to the treatment of civilian internees. Moreover, it is understood that the preparation of supplementary food is impossible because of lack of fuel, although Article 11, Geneva Prisoners of War Convention provides that prisoners shall receive facilities for preparing additional food.
It is also reported from one camp at Kobe that no soap has been distributed by the Japanese authorities since December 1, 1943, or thereabouts. Failure of the Japanese to provide soap indicates that all sanitary measures necessary to assure the cleanliness and healthfulness of the camps are not being taken in accordance with Article 13 of the Convention.