File No. 862.6131/14
The Chargé in Switzerland ( Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 4, 9.12 a.m.]
2765. French military attaché informs me that under Helfferich’s leadership Germans have founded a provisioning bureau in Constantinople which is organizing purchase of wheat and other grain in Ukraine which is routed to Odessa and Crimean ports. All barges obtainable, even in Holland, have been bought to carry grain up the Danube.
[Page 1604]Bureau has representative in Berne and has offered grain to Switzerland in return for her economic independence. Meeting of Federal Council held last night to consider sending Swiss representative to Ukraine. Decision not known.