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

740.00115 P.W./8–2445: Airgram

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

Bern, August 24, 1945.
[Received September 6—7 p.m.]

A–997. American Interests—Occupied China. Your telegrams 1869, May 22—6 p.m., and 2148, June 26.

Foreign Office note August 23 states Swiss Legation Tokyo has received from Minister Togo following reply:

1) Only military reasons necessitated transfer persons interned Shanghai and not as claimed by American Government desire to protect certain regions against bombardment;

2) Plants and enterprises in regions Sacred Heart Hospital are mostly without military character and do not therefore constitute objects legitimate attack. These are additionally situated considerable distance from hospital. If therefore Allied aviation takes, as it should, necessary precaution measures, security of hospital assured, even if Allied aviation attacks illegally the plants referred to;

3) Clear that United States must be held responsible for security civilians in centers because if American forces continue employ inhuman methods contrary at [to] laws war, such as blind bombing without seeing military objectives and without regard civilians, will be very difficult Japan despite its efforts assure security civil centers;³⁵

4) Opinion American British authorities regarding transfer civilians therefore unjustified and Japan fulfils humanitarian obligations in devoting all efforts treatment civilians in centers, notably in furnishing comfortable and hygienic lodgings and in taking necessary measures care given sick.

Foreign Office adds foregoing telegraphic response suffered delay 10 days in transmission.

Harrison

35. For documentation on Japanese protests against the bombing of allegedly nonmilitary objectives, see pp. 469 ff.