File No. 654.119/184
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 13, 6 a.m.]
3593. War Trade Board [from McFadden]:
No. 37. We entirely agree with you regarding holding conference at Berne, and have persistently urged advantages of same to French who have constantly objected. However, they have finally agreed today, and will start conference 22d April at Berne, and have so cabled their Ambassador. French will be represented by Ambassador and Minister of Blockade, and A[merican] E[xpeditionary] F[orces] by two authorized representatives. Conference will be primarily to negotiate [wood] and barrack agreement, and efforts also will be made to settle all other questions, such as milk, refrigerator cars, black list, placing orders for cotton goods for A.E.F., etc. We further hope to make arrangement between Italians and Swiss, whereby 50,000 bales raw cotton, held by Italians for two years in Italy, will be released, title for same being in black-list name of Kuntze of Zurich, and then have same gradually forwarded by Italians to Swiss for distribution by S[ociété] S[uisse de] S[urveillance Economique], with the condition that the cotton so shipped shall apply against this year’s cotton ration. We are endeavoring to ascertain approximate amount money required in Switzerland during next six months to pay for A.E.F. purchases, which points to not less than 50,000,000 Swiss francs, possibly much more. French Blockade Minister, A.E.F., and Dresel request me to attend conference; however, do not think same necessary except as matter of policy on account of my activities, and request of French. Answer, repeating cable to Dresel, Crosby. McFadden.