711.94114A/10–2945: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29—9:20 p.m.]
4553. American Interests—Far East. Department’s 2565, August 20. Foreign Office note, October 25, states according telegram former Swiss Consulate, Batavia, no POW of [or] CI has thus far been officially liberated in Netherlands Indies. Note after referring your 2565 states instructions were given by Swiss Minister Tokyo to Swiss Consulate Batavia.
Swiss Consulate adds rather large number men and women have nevertheless left camps without permission, adding under these conditions arrival Allied Forces should be hastened in order expedite liberations POWs and CIs.
[In airgram A–1171, October 29 (received November 10), the Minister in Switzerland reported: “Since arrival Allied missions Indochina persons confined Mytho free circulate that city. Nevertheless as result difficulties found lodging and insecurity of region around Saigon, greater part preferred remain camp. Internees nevertheless journey from time to time that city with coming and going of American and British officers.” (390.1115/10–2945)]