711.94114A O.T./6–2345: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
2123. Request Swiss Govt have Gorgé deliver following message textually to Jap Govt and to inform Dept date of its delivery:64
“The United States Government has been reliably informed that the Japanese authorities in Thailand have quartered prisoners of war in warehouses located at the mw port of Bangkok and have forced them to labor at the railway station and on the docks of that city.
The Japanese Government voluntarily undertook to apply the humane provisions of the Geneva Prisoners of War Convention hi its treatment of prisoners of war and civilian internees. In spite of its solemn obligation the Japanese Government has failed to apply the provisions of Articles 9 and 31 of that Convention in its treatment of prisoners of war in Thailand.
The United States Government again strongly protests against the disposition by the Japanese Government of prisoners of war in an area in close proximity to docks, railroad yards and other military objectives and their employment on labor having a direct relation with war operations. The United States Government solemnly warns the Japanese Government that the United States Government will hold the Japanese Government responsible for any failure on its part to protect the lives and health of American nationals in Japanese custody.”
- In telegram 3505, July 11, the Minister in Switzerland reported delivery of this message on July 5 (711.94114A O.T./7–1145).↩