File No. 654.119/154
The Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 16, 5.15 p.m.]
2851. Zurich paper today contains interview with Turkish Minister at Berne. He promises Switzerland that Turkey will open Dardanelles for wheat shipments destined from Odessa to Switzerland. Before the war Switzerland’s main wheat supply was obtained from Odessa. Heavy demands made upon United States since the war are due to fact that this source of supply [has until] recently [Page 1605] been closed to Switzerland. In this connection prompt action of United States to retrieve Swiss cereal situation vitally important and worth all the propaganda which we can throw into Switzerland at this time.
Recent action of Wheat Executive in London liable to delay shipments of wheat to Switzerland for a long time.
I have communicated substance of your 1604, March 12, to Swiss Government, which welcomes it with satisfaction.