Office of the Historian

390.1115/6284: Telegram

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

Washington, March 12, 1943.

599. American interests—China. Department’s 107, January 14. Request Swiss Government to continue to press Japanese Government to restore military rank to Cunningham and Smith in compliance with Article 49 of Geneva Prisoners of War Convention and to accord to these men the treatment provided for officer prisoners of war by this Convention.

Ask Swiss to take the necessary steps to see that these men receive such financial assistance as may be necessary in the circumstances.24

Welles
  1. In telegram No. 2997, May 15, the Minister in Switzerland stated that Cunningham and Smith retained their rank and that the regulations of the prison where they were detained determined whether they were permitted to receive money or supplies (390.1115/7409).↩