Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1914, Supplement, The World War

File No. 841.731/264

The President of the Swiss Confederation to the Swiss Legation in Washington

undated
[Received November 12, 1914.]
[Left with the Secretary of State by the Swiss Minister, November 18, 1914.]

[Telegram—Translation]

Since beginning of war and especially lately our business world is being heavily damaged on account of English and French censure simply suppressing hundreds of telegrams from Switzerland to North America and vice versa, although being purely commercial communications. Refunding of telegram costs does not take place. Attitude of censure apparently explains itself through general although unfounded presumption that Swiss firms transmit telegrams of German houses. As damage affects America as well as Switzerland, you will propose American Government common steps in London and Bordeaux. Upon our desire Minister Stovall also cables his government. The latter perhaps has received complaints concerning telegram service between America and other neutral countries. As soon as your answer arrives our Ministers in Paris and London will receive instructions.

Hoffman

President, Confederation