Jan. 15 To the Swiss Minis- No objection to transmission of limited sums of money to ene- From the Swiss Le- Swiss telegram reports German gation To the Ambassador From the Chargé in From the Minister From the Ambassa- From the Swiss Min ister Mar. 4 To the Chargé in 160 6976 From the Chargé in statement that U.S. prisoners oners. Instructions to request Spain Germany now concedes U.S. Suggested arrangement for fur- Approval of arrangement for case. Mar. 18 To the Swiss Minis- Privilege of conversing with German prisoners without witnesses is granted. Instructions to inquire what assistance Great Britain will accord U.S. citizens in British Army or Navy who may be captured by the enemy. 18 America by Dutch-American committee in Amsterdam for supplying U.S. prisoners in Germany. Efforts of Dutch-American committee to feed U.S. prisoners in Germany should be discouraged. Complete arrangements already made. French regulations and proposals for facilitating free transit of prisoners' mail. France will accord to U.S. citizens in French Army, who may be captured, same assistance as to its own nationals. Quotes Italian note according to U.S. citizens in Italian Army, who may be captured, same assistance as to its own nationals. Concentration of U.S. prisoners of war at Tuchel and Brandenburg camps. Great Britain will accord to U.S. citizens in British Army, who may be captured, same treatment as to British subjects. Instructions for consuls to advise U.S. prisoners escaping ing from Germany to report to U.S. military attaché at London. Instructions to request Spanish Embassy, Berlin, to convey to Germany U.S. protest against despoiling U.S. prisoners of their property. Germany is disposed to enter into agreement with the United States regarding defense of prisoners of war under accusation. Swiss to charge half rates for transporting foodstuffs hitherto carried free for prisoners. Switzerland seeks consent of interested Governments to half-rate charge for transporting prisoners' supplies on Government railways. Joint representations to Switzerland against charge for transporting prisoners' consignments prior to consent by interested Governments. I. PRISONERS OF WAR-Continued No. Date From and to whom From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Aug. 12 To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Subject Swiss Federal railways authorized by Federal Council to charge half rates on shipments in bulk, but not on gift packages. Charge of half rates by Switzerland for transport of consignments to prisoners considered reasonable. Instructions. Authorization to request Spanish Embassy, Berlin, to voice U.S. protest to Germany against detention of U.S. prisoners in reprisal camps. Removal of U.S. prisoners from Tuchel to Rastatt. Spanish Embassy, Berlin, requested to arrange for internment in interior. Encloses German note, July 24, protesting against U.S. practice of taking fingerprints, etc., of German pris oners. Reasons for transfer of U.S. prisoners to Rastatt. Germany rejects suggestion of protected camps for U.S. prisoners. Comments. U.S. practice of taking fingerprints, etc., of U.S. soldiers; same welcomed for U.S. prisoners in Germany. Instructions to request Spanish Embassy, Berlin, to voice U.S. protest to Germany against forcing U.S. prisoners to work in mines, etc. 815 PROPOSED REPATRIATION OF SANITARY PERSONNEL Aug. 4, To the Minister in 1917 Switzerland (tel.) To the Chargé in Nov. 9, From the Chargé in 1917 Instructions to inquire through Spanish Embassy, Berlin, whether Germany will consider reciprocal release of sanitary personnel. German reply regarding proposed reciprocal release of sanitary personnel is awaited. Encloses German note agreeing to reciprocal repatriation of sanitary personnel. Basis of agreement. For Germany: The United States is willing to adopt as modus vivendi certain principles under Hague and Geneva conventions, though not bound by conventions. International Red Cross expresses surprise at statement that the United States is not bound by Geneva convention. Reasons why the Hague and Geneva conventions not considered binding on the United 45 45 45 48 49 50 States. Proposal of modus vivendi remains unanswered. Encloses Sims's message, Mar. Apr. 17 To the Secretary of Quotes and discusses art. 24 of 53 55 War treaty of 1799 with Prussia re- 56 June 14 From the Secretary Quotes cablegram from Persh of War ing questioning wisdom of June 21 To the Secretary of Views regarding disposal of Sept. 5 To the Swiss Chargé Location in France of prison- Sept. 12 From the Acting Quotes Pershing's message rec- Sept. 18 To the Secretary of No objection to sending enemy War Sept. 24 From the Secretary Disposal of officer prisoners of War THE AMERICAN-GERMAN CONFERENCE AT BERNE: AGREEMENT OF 813 Aug. 3, 1917 To the Minister in American Prisoners Central 1510 Aug. 24, From the Minister in 1670 Sept. 18, 1917 From the Chargé in 59665-33- -II Committee at Berne as inter- To the Secretary of Advisability of reaching gen- 60 61 64 64 65 |