711.94114 Supplies/2–245: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Switzerland (Huddle)
598. Legation’s 746, February 2. Request Swiss urgently to communicate following by telegraph to their Legation Tokyo for immediate delivery to Japanese Foreign Office.
“American Government assures safe conduct on the part of American and Allied Governments for round trip voyage Japanese vessel Awa Maru carrying as part of its cargo relief supplies for Allied nations in Japanese custody from Japan to Formosa, thence to Hong Kong, thence to Saigon, thence to Singapore, thence to Surabaya, thence to Batavia, thence to Muntok, thence to Singapore and return to Japan.
This safe conduct is based on the following schedule:
[Here follows sailing schedule of the Awa Maru.]
Note has been taken of the characteristics of this ship and of its special markings and that such markings will be electrically illuminated at night and that all navigation lamps will be lighted at night.
American Government draws attention to necessity 3for strict adherence to the ship’s schedule and course as proposed by Japanese Government and agreed to herein. It is expected that there will be no deviation therefrom except for reasons beyond the vessel’s control. In case such deviation becomes necessary, notice of such revision in schedule as may be required should be communicated to this Government [Page 462] by the Japanese Government by the most expeditious means possible.”65
- For Department’s statement of February 7 on the safe conduct given to the Awa Maru, see Department of State Bulletin, February 11, 1945, p. 188.↩