761.94114/5–2049: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kohler) to the Secretary of State
1304. Soviet press May 20 prints following “announcement by Administration Council Ministers USSR for Affairs Repatriation.”
“In view inquiries addressed USSR member Allied Council Japan concerning date termination repatriation Japanese POWs from territory Soviet Union, Administration Council Ministers USSR for Affairs Repatriation considers necessary give following information.
From grand total 594,000 soldiers officers Japanese army taken prisoners, 70,880 were immediately freed in 1945 in battle areas.
In period December 1, 1946–May 1, 1949 there were 418,166 repatriated Japan.
In period May–November 1949 will be repatriated all remaining POWs totalling 95,000 with exception few groups persons now being investigated connection war crimes they committed.
All expenses borne by Soviet Union connection repatriation Japanese POWs and civilians must be reimbursed by Japanese Government as provided by repatriation agreement between USSR member Allied Council Japan and staff of General MacArthur dated December 19, 1946.”1
Repeated Tokyo 26.
- For text of Mr. Sebald’s letter of April 25 to the Soviet member of the Allied Council for Japan (Derevyanko), requesting information on Japanese POW’s, see Department of State Bulletin, May 15, 1949, p. 635.↩