740.00115 Pacific War/9–2446: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
783. SCAP has expressed concern over delay in repatriation Japanese nationals from Manchuria. States increasing number petitions signed by thousands interested relatives as well as heavy daily mail constantly being received by GHQ and Chairman Allied Council. Furthermore Jap Govt has submitted petition on repatriation Jap nationals from Manchuria and Siberia. SCAP has received reports grave health conditions affecting Japanese now Manchuria and points out situation will become infinitely worse coming winter due exhaustion fuel, food, clothing, lack of medical supplies, bedding, etc., and generally poor physical conditions of people.
Increasing apprehension and unrest in Japan regarding this matter may hinder objectives occupation. In view above and for humanitarian considerations SCAP suggests that Dept request Chinese and Sov Govts render all practicable relief and assistance to Jap nationals their respective areas and to allow mail communication subject to censorship, between Japanese nationals in their areas and in Japan Proper.
Dept requests you inquire FonOff regarding conditions Chinese controlled areas and urge relief measures mentioned above if you deem practicable. Dept is addressing note to Sov Govt37 on whole subject repatriation urging inter alia these interim relief measures.
Sent Nanking repeated Tokyo [496].
- Telegram No. 1704, September 24, 6 p.m., to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union, not printed.↩