711.94114A/8–145: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:45 a.m.]
3750. American Interests—Japan. Legation’s 3721, July 30.91 FonOff note July 28 states, according telegram Gorgé, two delegates designated camp visits have had interview Jap officers during which insisted urgency visits.
Jap replied visits could not yet begin. They affirmed Jap authorities accord favorable treatment prisoners and devote particular care questions food. Thus POWs receive in principle 700 grams food consisting barley, rice mixed and soya beans per day while heavy industry workers only receive 560 grams these products. Jap added prisoners provided unpolished rice to prevent lack vitamins. Meat, fish ration as abundant as possible vegetables from 300 to 500 grams while civil population only receives 100 grams or less.
Jap stated relations between camp commanders and prisoners good and prisoners expressed gratefulness treatment. When camps bombed, prisoners cooperate extinguish fires. If camp destroyed prisoners immediately provided new shelter and necessary food.
[Page 360]Swiss Legation expects receive shortly list camps indicating address principal camps.
In connection foregoing Bisang states orally information contained Legation’s 3721 apparently indicates camps Gorgé wished have visited whereas instant telegram indicates visits not yet permitted.
- Not printed; it reported that representatives of Mr. Gorgé would visit various civilian internment camps in Japan between August 6 and 9 (740.00115 PWA 7–3045).↩