701.0090/164: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
1329. American interests—Japan. Japanese Government should be advised that United States Government has been informed by British Embassy of Japanese proposal to British Government that Japanese vessels transporting British and associated nationals to Lourenço Marques should travel from Malacca Strait eastward in company with Japanese vessels bringing American nationals to the exchange point. United States Government is further informed that British Government has replied to Japanese Government that it cannot effect exchange of British for Japanese personnel at Lourenço Marques before August 15 at earliest. United States Government on other hand is ready to proceed to exchange and now feels in view of scanty facilities for shelter of passengers at Lourenço Marques that separation of exchanges may be helpful to all concerned. Accordingly United States Government intends to carry forward with its plans to effect exchange by arrival of Gripsholm at Lourenço Marques about July 6. British Government has been informed to that effect.