Office of the Historian

711.94114A/8–3145: Airgram

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

Bern, August 31, 1945.
[Received September 12—7 p.m.]

A–1021. American Interests—Japan. Your 2469, August 6—6 p.m. Foreign Office note, August 30, states Gorgé in expressing thanks makes following comments:

1
—Despite all efforts never able obtain precise information regarding actual number prisoners of war or their transfer. More than 10,000 prisoners of war transferred to Japan without his knowing from where they came. He believes difficulties encountered due large part faulty Japanese administration.
2
—This question discussed Legation’s A–1013 of August 30.
3
—Gorgé’s position always solid regarding relief prisoners of war and civilian internees result intentions manifested American Government [Page 401] submit all arrangements which would permit assist captured American nationals. Since Awa Maru Gorgé always encountered inertia Japanese authorities. This attitude explainable in part by fact Japanese reluctant do for enemies that which unable accord own subjects.
4
—Gorgé states misunderstanding this question. Japanese Government not opposed delivery individual payments but refused authorize sending funds collective purchase foods. Foods having disappeared from market nothing remained to purchase thus sending funds without object.
5
—Japanese response communicated Department Legation’s 3685, July 26.
6
—Regarding transfer civilian internees Shanghai Foreign Office refers note August 23 (Legation’s A–997, August 24). Gorgé adds would not have failed again take up with energy question transfers if hostilities had continued. This particularly so since for certain time mystery surrounded alleged reorganization camps combined with transfer prisoners of war coming from no one knew where. All efforts employed by Legation to obtain information this subject actually remained without result.

Harrison