File No. 763.72111N39/133A

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Switzerland ( Wilson)

[Telegram]

1171. You are instructed to formally present the following communication to the Minister of Foreign Affairs:

In view of the presence of American forces in Europe engaged in the prosecution of the war against the Imperial German Government, the Government of the United States deems it appropriate to announce for the assurance of the Swiss Confederation and in harmony with the attitude of the co-belligerents of the United States in Europe, that the United States will not fail to observe the principle of neutrality applicable to Switzerland and the inviolability of its territory, so long as the neutrality of Switzerland is maintained by the Confederation and respected by the enemy.

Lansing