Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, General; the British Commonwealth; the Far East, Volume I

701.0090/138m: Telegram

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

Washington, May 23, 1942.

1336. American Interests—Repatriation. Department’s 880, April 7⁴⁰ and 1246, May 14, Paragraph 6.⁴¹ Continued residence in enemy and enemy-occupied territories may become extremely precarious after the exchange of American nationals has been effected.⁴² Department desires that all American citizens avail themselves of the opportunity offered for their repatriation, and has decided to terminate financial assistance to those American citizens who when given an opportunity to do so fail to return to this country on one of the voyages of the exchange vessel, except in those rare cases in which Swiss representatives inform Department that in their opinion individuals offered repatriation are physically unable to undertake voyage.

Request Swiss Government ask its representatives to make special effort to insure communication foregoing to all American citizens in enemy and enemy-controlled and occupied territories.

Hull

40. Post, p. 352.
41. See footnote 69, p. 352.
42. See telegram No. 1672, July 1, p. 371.