War Trade Board Files: Switzerland, Shipping and Tonnage, Austrian Ships in Spanish Waters, Vol. I
The French High Commissioner ( Tardieu) to the Chairman of the War Trade Board ( McCormick)
Dear Mr. Chairman: The question of the chartering by Switzerland of Austrian vessels, which have taken refuge in Spanish ports, has been examined by the French Government.
The following is the stand taken by my Government on the subject:
The scheme is contrary to international law and we could not, without receiving special guarantees, give up the principles of the naval policy which we have followed since the beginning of the war.
We could only accept the sale or the chartering of these vessels, if the latter were not to be returned to their former owners after the war: the first condition we would have to impose is therefore that we receive an option on these vessels at the cessation of hostilities.
Mr. Sulzer, who is on his way to Switzerland to take up the matter of charters with his Government, has discussed the question with the Minister of the Blockade on June 28, in Paris. He has frankly admitted that the vessels were to return after the war to the ports where they are at present, and therefore be restored to their present owners.
The Minister of the Blockade has let Mr. Sulzer understand that we could not accept such a proposal: the shipping situation is not such that it should be necessary for us to accept the condition imposed by the Austrians, the interest of which is very clear in the matter, whereas ours is not so evident.
The Swiss Government could probably still find in neutral, and even in Allied ports, enough neutral boats lying idle at present, the owners of which would accept to let them sail with the guarantees [Page 1633] which would be the consequence of their exclusive use for the supply of Switzerland.
Mr. Sulzer has acknowledged that the Swiss authorities had not made any real efforts in this direction; they, no doubt, find it easier to make a bargain with Austria without putting themselves to any inconvenience.
The Austrians have a great interest to have their boats sail and therefore offer them at relatively low prices.
Mr. Sulzer is of opinion that the War Trade Board and the British Government have accepted the conditions of the return to Spanish ports, after the war, of all Austrian vessels chartered by Switzerland.
The Italian Government, on the other hand, who had an idea of making use of these same vessels, protests against the condition imposed by Austria.
Mr. Cailler was expected to arrive on June 29 in Paris and discuss the question with the Minister of the Blockade.
The French Government instructs me to bring their viewpoint on this matter to your knowledge. The question lies within the province of the Inter-Allied Chartering Committee of London, but it must not be forgotten that France has a special interest in the matter, as the vessels chartered by Switzerland will discharge their cargo in French harbours and it is therefore of the greatest importance that their status should be clearly defined.
My Government is anxious to hear the opinion of the American Government, as soon as possible.
I am [etc.]