711.94114A/7–1745: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 17—6:38 p.m.]
3598. American Interests—Far East. Legation’s 3529, July 12, and 3549, July 13. Foreign Office note July 16 states, according telegram [Page 354] from Gorgé, Suzuki has announced War Ministry agrees in principle Swiss Minister visits POW camps territories occupied Japanese.
Japanese envision authorizing to begin with visits camps Thailand, Singapore subject, as regards dates, military necessity.
Foregoing decision confirmed by note Japanese Legation, Bern, reading follows:
“As regards internee and POW camps regions occupied Japanese forces, authorization visit will be accorded to extent not incompatible with strategic reasons and according principle reciprocity.
However not superfluous indicate henceforth means effect visits will be sometimes limited by local conditions and Japanese Govt hopes Swiss Govt understands this necessity. Japanese Govt furthermore prepared arrange in collaboration Gorgé details visits.”