711.94114A/8–145: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
2524. Discuss following with Swiss FonOff requesting that Gorgé continue to press for authorization camp visits:
Dept increasingly concerned at continued failure Jap Govt authorize visits POW camps. For example, Jap statement that POWs receive certain foods “in principle” obviously not satisfactory and requires investigation by protecting Power (Legs 3750, Aug 1).
When question Swiss representation Jap interests was under discussion Swiss Govt informed Jap Govt prepared take over Jap interests subject certain conditions including granting greater facilities to Swiss Rep Jap occupied areas in fulfilling protecting Power functions behalf US and Gt Britain (Legs 2940, May 2926).
In early June Gorgé advised FonOff that Jap Foreign Ministry informed him officially that Jap military authorities had finally authorized visit POW camps and gave consent representative Swiss Leg Ruch designated these inspections (Legs 3160, June 13).
On July 3rd Suzuki stated work reorganization [and] transfers nearing completion and protecting Power delegate could soon begin visits (Legs 3549, July 13).
[Page 395]It should be noted that, in spite fact Swiss Leg insisted urgency visits, Jap reply that camp visits could not yet begin (Legs 3750, Aug 1) was made only after Swiss Govt assumed representation Jap interests in US.
Am Govt is most disappointed by this development and trusts Swiss Govt will take Jap attitude into consideration in connection with Swiss protection Jap interests in US.27
- Not printed; but for summary see penultimate paragraph of letter of June 18 to the Secretary of War, and footnote 61, p. 345.↩
- In telegram 3904, August 15, 10 p.m., the Minister in Switzerland reported the views of a ranking official of the Swiss Foreign Office given earlier in the day that the ending of the war rendered unnecessary action called for by telegram 2524 (711.94114A/8–1545).↩