701.0090/2273: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 17—9:05 a.m.]
5788. American interests Far East. Repatriation. Department’s 2213, September 8, Legation’s 5694, September 13.39 Foreign Office note September 15 states Swiss Legation reports contents Department’s 2177, September 4, delivered September 8 Japanese Foreign Office.
For his part Swiss Minister has undertaken many representations with a view obtaining Japanese authorization repatriation at least certain Americans in occupied China who are charged with espionage or under suspicion having shown political activity. At last moment he was able to have repatriation of two of these persons authorized [Page 930] and Swiss Foreign Office states it will forward names as soon as received.
In other cases Swiss Minister has met definite refusal Japanese authorities. He has the impression that he might have had greater success if Japanese authorities had to choose between the repatriation and the liberation of these Americans.
Legation presumes Swiss Minister intended to indicate Japanese authorities might have liberated persons mentioned but were not disposed authorize repatriation. Foreign Office official consulted concurs this view. Urgent confirmation being now requested of Gorgé.