740.00115 Pacific War/2028: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:27 p.m.]
7574. American interests, Far East, medical treatment internees. Legation’s 5380, August 31. Following summary Swiss note November 30 conveying information telegraphed by Fontanel, Shanghai:
Prior “segregation” Swiss protégés, persons requiring medical attention generally sent by Swiss representative and associations to Allied doctors who content very low or nominal fees; patients signed “special loan notes”. Upon internment all Allied doctors and owing to certain abuses by other less scrupulous physicians Swiss representative in consultation interned American, British doctors prepared list recommended physicians largely neutrals who agreed maintain fees reasonable level and prevent prolongation unnecessary. These doctors treated all sick persons receiving financial assistance namely, all [Page 1011] those still exempt for reasons of health from segregation measures; also sick persons in camps liberated for treatment Shanghai hospitals.
Fontanel states Japanese authorities categorically refused assume medical costs outside “assembly centers”. Special arrangements accordingly made with Shanghai hospitals. This practice satisfactory despite decision Japanese authorities not permit Swiss representative visit patients thus hospitalized.
Japanese inspectors recently named Shanghai hospitals now insist, contrary hospital regulations, camp patients henceforth be treated by them or doctors they designate. Fontanel reports about 60% available beds “Country Hospital” and “General Hospital” continually occupied by camp patients (approximately 170 persons). Monthly expenses these medical services charged against official funds approximately 1,500,000 Shanghai dollars.
Owing to foregoing developments Fontanel informed Japanese Consulate that, inasmuch as Japanese authorities refuse assume in accordance with provision Geneva Convention these medical expenses which must be paid from official funds represented government, he is unable tolerate intervention Japanese inspectors. Japanese authorities replied that henceforth camp patients, if liberated, undergo treatment outside camps shall themselves pay these expenses. Japanese added that necessary funds shall be deducted from those paid by Swiss representative to assembly centers for relief. Fontanel replied that relief funds paid not usable except for pocket money disbursements which previously enabled internees procure at canteen necessary items and supplementary food urgently needed maintain health.
Fontanel adds that until Japanese authorities give assurance relief funds not utilized cover hospitalization and for other purposes all financial relief will be discontinued. According recent information reaching Fontanel, relief funds partially used purchase stoves, fuel for winter; also for various camp improvements, repairs and this use of relief funds appears improper in view of Japanese responsibility provide these articles.
Suspension relief greatly disturbs internees who are in great need. Fontanel hopes conclude arrangement locally and with a view to avoiding aggravation of situation requests that for the present no intervention be made Tokyo. He desired learn urgently whether Department approves his attitude.93
- In telegram No. 3089, December 11, to the Minister in Switzerland, the Department indicated approval of Mr. Fontanel’s action, and its desire “to be kept informed as his negotiations progress.” (740.00115 Pacific War/2028)↩