711.94114A/9–1045: Airgram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 19—6 p.m.]
A–1053. American Interests—Far East. Legation’s telegram 3983, August 23.44 Swiss note, dated September 7, transmits following information:
According to a telegram dispatched by the Swiss Minister at Tokyo, his representative at Singapore, Mr. Wild, visited the Changi POW camp at Singapore, accompanied by Mr. Schweizer, ICRC delegate. Mr. Wild ascertained during visit that camp greatly overcrowded and inadequately equipped. Many articles of basic necessity lacking. Swiss representative nevertheless observed with satisfaction that, despite privations and undernourishment from which they suffered, POWs retained excellent morale. Approximately one-fifth of the detainees should be hospitalized chiefly for dysentery, beriberi and malaria.
Swiss Minister Tokyo adds that he has transmitted directly to Allied Commander45 various information and requests from Mr. Wild concerning POWs held in the Malay Archipelago.