File No. 763.72111N39/137

The Chief of the Swiss Political Department ( Ador ) to the American Chargé ( Wilson )1

[Translation]
No. 113 G.R.

Mr. Chargé: In a note of the 3d instant you were kind enough to inform the Political Department that you had been charged by the Department of State to inform the Federal Council that the presence of American troops in Europe, taking part in the war against the Imperial German Government, had led the Government of the Union to inform the Swiss Confederation, the same as its co-belligerents in Europe, that the United States will not fail to observe towards Switzerland the principle of neutrality and inviolability of its territory as long as this neutrality is maintained by the Confederation and respected by the enemy.

In the name of the Federal Council I have the honor, in acknowledging this declaration, to beg you to transmit to your Government the thanks of the Federal Council for this new proof of the sentiments of friendship that the United States has always manifested towards Switzerland.

[Page 759]

The Federal Council can only renew the declaration of neutrality that it had the honor to notify to Washington April 20, 1917,1 insisting particularly on its firm and unwavering determination to maintain and defend its neutrality and inviolability of its territory by all the means at its disposal against any person.

At the same time the Federal Council has the honor to declare that by virtue of its sovereignty and in accordance with the declarations of the powers who signed the treaties of Vienna and Paris of 1815, in particular of that of the 20th of November, the Swiss Confederation, to whom it appertains to take the necessary measures for the defense of its territory, will maintain its neutrality by its own forces and will repel a violation of its frontier if this occurs.

Referring to these acts and to its declaration of neutrality of August 4, 1914,1 as well as to later declarations, especially the notification made at Washington by the Swiss Minister on April 20, 1917, the Federal Council believes that it appertains only to it to decide in what conditions it might appear opportune to appeal to the assistance of foreign powers.

Receive [etc.]

Swiss Political Department,
Ador
  1. Transmitted by the Chargé in Switzerland in despatch No. 1927, Dec. 12, 1917 (received Jan. 3, 1918).
  2. Not printed.
  3. Not printed.