File No. 854.85/21a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain ( Willard)
1215. Swiss Minister has presented note on subject of proposed acquisition by Swiss Government of German or Austrian vessels lying in Spanish waters, stating that such acquisition has been approved in principle by all governments concerned and that details will now be taken up at Madrid.1 Swiss Minister asks that you be authorized to represent American interests in these negotiations so that details of acquisition can be settled more promptly than if all matters had to be handled by cable. The Department is replying that you would be authorized to consider on behalf of American Government the details of proposed terms under which enemy ships will be acquired by Swiss Government, and after reporting the same on behalf of this Government to approve or disapprove of such details.
You are authorized to act in accordance with the foregoing. It is expected that Alfred Smith now en route for Madrid via England to conduct Spanish ships negotiations, will be at Madrid by the time it is necessary for you to act on details of Swiss negotiations for enemy ships and he will be able to give you such advice on technical shipping matters as you may desire. It is this Government’s hope that Swiss Government may be able to purchase or charter all German and Austrian ships lying in Spanish waters, approximating, we understand, 130,000 tons deadweight, provided surplus over Swiss requirements be utilized for purposes satisfactory to Associated Governments such as Belgian relief. We favor purchase rather than charter and have so expressed ourselves to the Swiss Minister, who is returning to Switzerland on leave. You will keep Department fully advised as to developments of these negotiations and as soon as is practicable the Department will give you a general expression of its views for your guidance.
- Note of June 1 and the Department’s reply of June 10 not printed.↩