Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The British Commonwealth, The Far East, Volume VI

711.94114A/9–1145: Airgram

The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State

Bern, September 11, 1945.
[Received September 19—6 p.m.]

A–1064. American Interests—Far East. Department’s 1111, March 17, Legation’s 3347⁴⁶ and 3348, June 28, and 3541, July 12.

Foreign Office note, September 8, gives substance communication from Minister Togo⁴⁷ telegraphed September 4 by Swiss Minister Tokyo. Following translation:

1. —Bodies of POWs deceased while in captivity will henceforth be buried except under certain special circumstances. This particularly in camps at Tokyo and Osaka where Japanese regulations forbid burials in vicinity of these camps. In Borneo cremation was ordered to prevent danger of epidemics.

2. —Delays in notification POW names not intentional on part of Japanese authorities but principally due to circumstances surrounding handling of matters. As soon as lists prepared, competent Japanese authorities will communicate them to Swiss Legation.

3. —Japanese authorities will only deliver copies of death certificates on special request from interested Governments as it is unable send copies of all documents. All death certificates have been kept and will be submitted to American and British Governments after the war.

Although these statements superseded by recent events, Swiss Foreign Office nevertheless communicates them for Legation’s information.

Harrison

46. Telegram 3347 not printed; but for summary, see footnote 77, p. 352.
47. Shigenori Togo resigned as Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs on August 15.