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Via M.S. Gripsholm at Goa (Portuguese India)
Through the Swiss Government and the co-operation of the American and Japanese authorities, a third sailing of the "M.S. Gripsholm" was to take place in which enemy nationals, mail and parcels were to be exchanged for the same from the other party. On September 2,1943, the "M.S. Gripsholm" sailed from New York, with 1517 Japanese nationals and 8 other enemy nationals, to the port of Mormugo, Goa (Portuguese India) where it was to meet the Japanese ship the Teia Maru", which was carrying 1724 allied nationals from Japan and other occupied territories. Both ships were to meet at Mormugo on October 15,1943 where they were to exchange civilians, as well as mail and parcels. The Teia Maru departed San Fernando, La Union in the Philippines on September 26, 1943, after picking up 152 civilian repatriates along with maii from POW's and civilian internees. The repatriates comprised of 127 civilians from Santo Tomas Camp, 24 members of the consular staff and 1 internee from Baguio Civilian Internee Carnp. Of these 131 were American, 15 Canadians and 6 nationals of other allied countries. A secret list of nationals were made by each government and forwarded to the other party for inspection and changes. Once agreed to, the arrangements were made for the exchange to take place. When family members were notified that a member of their family was to be exchanged at Goa, they were allowed to forward letters in the following manner: the letter was to be enclosed in an envelope and had to have 5 cents postage applied, this envelope in turn had to be sent under cover to: Repatriated Civilian Internee (Name)....., Repatriated on the M.S. Gripsholm, c/o postmaster New York. The outer envelope was then opened by the authorities, inner envelope was then censored, name of camp added, (via New York, New York must be on the envelope) canceled and taken to the Gripsholm. Upon arrival at Goa the envelope was forwarded to the appropriate internee. Envelope originally from Los Angeles canceled at New York, August 27, 1943, by the repatriation authorities. This letter was taken aboard the M.S. Gripsholm and was given to Miss Marjorie M. Judson. Only civilian internee Miss Judson from Baguio Camp was on this exchange. VERY SCARCE |
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