711.94114A/8–2145: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 21—4:37 p.m.]
3953. American Interests—China. Legation’s 3914, Aug. 17. Ranking Foreign Office official telephones that according telegram from Fontanel civilians are leaving camps despite warnings. He requests to be informed whether this is contrary to intention of [U.S.] Commanding General China Theater of Operations30 as messages from him and various broadcasts appear indicate internees should remain camps. Fontanel requests consideration be given fact most internees were residents of Shanghai and do not wish to be evacuated.31 He and Jap fear incidents. Jap insist order and status quo be maintained pending relinquishment camps in orderly fashion.32
In reply foregoing Foreign Office requested inform Fontanel in sense Dept’s 2565, August 20.
- Lt. Gen. Albert C. Wedemeyer.↩
- In telegram 2587, August 22, 8 p.m., to Bern, the Department stated that American civilian internees “will not be evacuated against their wishes unless in opinion military authorities such evacuation should be necessary”. (740.00115 PW/8–2145)↩
- In telegram 2629, August 28, 7 p.m., to Bern, the Department advised that Army authorities in China were emphasizing “tragedy of situation if loss of life were to result at this time from carelessness or disobedience to orders”. (711.93114A/8–2545)↩