Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The British Commonwealth, The Far East, Volume VI

711.94114A/7–2645: Telegram

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

Bern, July 26, 1945—1 p.m.
[Received 2:47 p.m.]

3685. American Interests—Far East. Legation’s 3160, June 13. Foreign Office note July 23 gives French text delivered July 11 from Togo⁸⁵ to Gorgé contained telegram latter dated July 18. Following [is] translation:

Japan although not having ratified 1929 Geneva Convention applies from humanitarian viewpoint provisions of this Convention POW camps held Japan. No camp is placed near military establishment and Japan naturally has no intention place certain points under protection on [from] bombardment by presence POW camps. However American aviation recently employed blind bombardments to such extent even solitary wards [farms] isolated regions often victims. It would be without doubt difficult completely place under protection from aerial bombardments POWs no matter where camps transferred. In any case placing in safe places of POWs against all air raid danger represents greatest wish Imperial Govt. Interested authorities doing all possible defend them against aerial attacks. Camps furnished all possible installations assure their security.⁸⁶

Harrison

85. Shigenori Togo, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs.
86. For Department’s statement of August 1 on Japanese practice of locating prisoner-of-war and civilian camps in areas subject to bombardment, see Department of State Bulletin, August 5, 1945, p. 176.