740.00115A PW/7–3045: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 30—10:45 p.m.]
3727. American Interests—Manchuria. Your 1629 April 30. Foreign Office note July 26 gives text in French reply Jap Foreign Office transmitted by Gorgé telegram July 23. Following [is] translation:
Civilian internment camps Manchuria being under Manchurian control, Jap cannot in principle intervene. Jap Government considers American Government not in position request list internees from Jap and address protest by Switzerland which is not charged representation American interests Manchuria. Jap does not consider itself bound to reply American communication. However view actual relations between Jap and Manchuria and relations between Manchuria one hand, U. S. and other countries other hand, Jap would be disposed if considers appropriate continue its good offices with Manchurian Govt concerning treatment internees, camp visits, etc.—good offices inspired by humanitarian motives and extended to present as purely kind gesture and by practical spirit.
In explanation reply Jap Foreign Office, Swiss Foreign Office desires recall American Legation [that] Swiss Govt has not recognized state and govt Manchuria. Under these conditions Switzerland cannot agree represent officially American interests this country. Accordingly not possible intervene within framework its mandate concerning camps situated Manchuria except if camps placed under Jap control.