Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Far East, China, Volume VII

300.1115/8–1545: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Hurley)

Washington, August 15, 1945—1 p.m.

1260. Dept. informed by Navy Dept that Naval forces operating in southern China report recovery of American CIs¹³ and/or POWs¹⁴ recently abandoned by Jap occupation forces. Obtain from Am mil auth names of Am CIs now or later liberated and telegraph names to Dept.

In view current developments alert Consuls to necessity of obtaining and transmitting info about liberated Am nationals. Invite Consuls’ attention to Foreign Service Serial No. 353, April 17, 1945,¹⁵ providing for emergency financial assistance loans to destitute Am nationals.

Byrnes

13. Civilian Internees.
14. Prisoners of War.
15. Circular Instruction to American Diplomtic and Consular Officers, “Emergency Financial Assistance Loans to Destitute American Nationals in Foreign Countries for Subsistence and Repatriation”.