Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The British Commonwealth, The Far East, Volume VI

740.00115 PW/6–2645: Telegram

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

Washington, June 26, 1945.

2148. The United States Government is gravely concerned over the reported intention of the Japanese military authorities in Shanghai to move internees from Ghapei camp and from Lungwha and Pootung centers⁶⁷ as, judging from transfers already effected in Shanghai, transfers from one camp to another entail additional dangers, hardships and difficulties for the internees.

For example, conditions at the Civil Assembly Center Eastern Area, where civilian internees were moved from Yu Yuen Road and from the Columbia Country Club, are reported to be most unsatisfactory and permission has not been granted for a visit to that center by representatives of the protecting Power or of the International Red Cross Committee. The center is located in an area subject to bombardment, in violation of Article 9 of the Geneva Prisoners of War Convention applied to treatment of civilian internees. In disregard of Article 10 the buildings housing the internees are without essential utilities and sanitary facilities are lacking. Considering the climatic conditions prevailing in Shanghai during the summer months this lack constitutes a serious threat of disease and epidemics.

If the Japanese Government contemplates additional transfers of civilian internees to camps not ready to receive them, such transfers will result in increased and unnecessary suffering for individuals who for a period of years have already undergone great hardships.

The results of the transfers to the Civil Assembly Center Eastern Area have proved disastrous and other transfers carried out in a like manner can only end in calamity. At the time of the transfers to the Civil Assembly Center Eastern Area the United States Government informed the Japanese Government that, should transfers be deemed necessary, the United States Government expected the Japanese Government to honor its obligations to

1) place civilian internees in safe areas

2) provide suitable quarters and sanitary facilities

3) furnish necessary camp equipment

4) make adequate provisions for the care of the aged and the sick

This was not done.

The United States Government now therefore demands that the Japanese Government abandon any plans for the transfer of the inmates of the Chapei camp and the Lungwha and Pootung centers unless the Japanese Government can give positive assurances that it will honor these obligations.

By its voluntary commitment to apply the provisions of the Geneva Prisoners of War Convention in its treatment of prisoners of war and civilian internees the Japanese Government is bound to protect the lives and health of American nationals held in Japanese custody. The United States Government will hold the Japanese Government and the Japanese military authorities in Shanghai responsible for any failure on their part to perform this duty.⁶⁸

Grew

67. Telegrams 3184, June 15, noon, and 3284, June 22, 1 p.m., from Bern, neither printed.
68. In telegram 2149, June 26, 6 p.m. (740.00115 PWV6–1545), to Bern, the Department requested that Mr. Gorgé transmit textually telegram 2148 to the Japanese Government “if he thinks it will strengthen his position”. In telegram 3614, July 19, the Minister reported Mr. Gorgé had communicated the text of this message “since his previous representations this matter without positive result.” (740.00115 PW/7–1945)