711.94114A/557: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 14—1:54 p.m.]
3076. American Interests—Japanese Atrocities. Swiss note May 9 which transmitted Japanese replies mentioned in Legation’s 294746 and 2949,47 both May 10, states that these were given on May 6 to Minister Gorgé by Japanese Foreign Minister Shigemitsu at which time they had two and half hour conversation regarding representation of Foreign Ministers [interests?]. He was simultaneously given third Japanese communication (mentioned Legation’s 3038, May 1248) [Page 966] and was provided for his exclusive information with text of Japanese protest regarding alleged attacks on Japanese hospital ships Yosino Maru and Tatibana Maru which being communicated through Spanish Embassy Washington.49
Swiss report that long discussion between Gorgé and Shigemitsu followed concerning situation prisoners of war. Shigemitsu stated Gorgé would be given opportunity to visit all camps in Japan. Reverting to Gorgé’s numerous representations, Japanese Foreign Minister stated that question of visiting camps in occupied territories was under examination but no guarantee could yet be given. Latter expressed hope that Japanese enemies would not thwart through a new campaign against Japan the efforts which he proposed to make in this connection. Gorgé considers that his efforts are apparently beginning to produce results because recently he had opportunity to visit Fukushi camp and will shortly be able to send a delegate to visit camps at Niigata and Nagoya. He has also been promised early authorization to visit Hakodate camp.
In continuing conversation Shigemitsu confirmed that Japan objects to any intervention having for its object protection of foreign interests in territories occupied by Japanese forces. Difficulties which hinder visit to prisoner camps in these territories may be attributed to this decision because the Japanese Government fears that authorization to visit these camps might be interpreted as an abandonment of policy thus far pursued. Gorgé then directed Shigemitsu’s attention to fact that Switzerland had not drawn from permission to visit Hong Kong camps conclusion that it would be authorized in future to assume protection of foreign interests there. According ta Gorgé’s views, it is entirely possible to treat these two questions separately.
Gorgé took occasion to request that Ministry of War reply more fully to notes addressed to it and insisted on fact that refusals would be preferable to silence so Swiss authorities, would thereby at least know where they stood. Shigemitsu promised to examine possibility of improving this state of affairs.