File No. 763.72111N39/131a

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page)2

[Telegram]

5895. Department is in, receipt of an intimation from Berne to the effect that it would be well received if this Government would voluntarily announce that the United States will not fail to observe the principle of neutrality applicable to Switzerland and the inviolability of Swiss territory so long as the neutrality of Switzerland is maintained by the Federation and respected by the enemy. The Department would be glad to have you inquire of the Government to which you are accredited whether any objections are seen from a military or other point of view to such a declaration on the part of the Government of the United States. Please expedite.

Lansing
  1. The same, on the same date, to the Ambassadors in France (No. 2848) and Italy (No. 984).