GOLF REFUSED, AND WHY	451
the invitation to play golf, and I think that in view of Mr. Kishi's
efforts it is only right that he should know these reasons. The Swiss
Minister made similar efforts long ago, but I told him at the be-
ginning that I would definitely not accept such an invitation and I
asked him to desist. As a matter of fact, the manager of one golf club
told the Minister that it would be embarrassing to the members if we
were to come there, and I certainly would not wish to place myself
in that position in any club. The embarrassment would be mutual.
But there are even more fundamental reasons why I could not
accept such an invitation. Nearly four months have gone by, during
which we were not permitted to leave our Embassy except for medical
reasons. Now, just as the date for our evacuation is approaching,
the authorities deign to permit us to go to some golf links—perhaps
once, perhaps twice—I do not know. The assumption is logical that
this is now being done for the purpose of putting a more favourable
light on the record of our internment, and knowing the way in
which the Japanese propaganda office functions, I have little doubt that
were I to accept such an invitation, full publicity would be given
to it as an indication of our considerate treatment during this entire
period. Yet our treatment has been very far from considerate, and
at the beginning it was contrary to all concepts of international usage.
We were treated not only as prisoners but as criminal prisoners, and
throughout our internment we have been subjected to repeated indig-
nities and humiliations by the police. I will not bore you with a recita-
tion of these things, but it will be difficult ever to forget them in future.
Quite apart from our treatment in the Embassy, the intensity of
my own feeling is undoubtedly shared by the American people to
an inexpressible degree.
With regard to the members of my staff, I have put the matter as
follows: I do not wish them to accept this invitation as a matter of
sport or entertainment, but if they feel that they need the excursion
for reasons of physical or moral health, I have no objection to their
playing among themselves. Some of my staff, especially those who,
unlike myself, have been separated from their wives and families during
this bitter experience, are really suffering from the effects of the long
confinement; they want and need to get out into the open spaces, and
I fully sympathize with that need. I do not know whether they will
accept the invitation or not, but they have my full permission to do so.
In view of Mr. Kishi's very kind attitude and efforts, I think it is
^1 only fair to him that he should fully understand my own attitude,
and I believe that it would be proper to let him read this letter*
With our wannest affectionate regards to you and the Mini$ter,
Always cordially yours,
March 28, 194$*
Swiss Minister. When he came to the Embaiay gate to-day it was
partially closed and the police merely stood with folded arms, scowling
at Gorgi, and made no move to open the gate or even to aak the