File No. 600.119/1191 suppl.
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Sharp)
5886. For McFadden [from War Trade Board]:
No. 369. Supplementing Department’s 5640, September 17, 4 p.m., our 296. Following is the text of Dresel’s 204 to us, Legation 5051, October 6, 9 a.m.
I venture to express serious misgivings which have arisen here in regard to constitution of an international blockade committee at Paris to deal exclusively or principally with Swiss affairs. The International Blockade [International Commission], the French Ambassador and the British Minister also share these doubts and if no [irrevocable] decision has been taken I should be glad to have opportunity to present their, my [sic] point of view on arrival at Washington.
Specific reasons of policy against action contemplated suggest themselves as follows:
- 1.
- The International Commission of Berne, which is the oldest of the commissions of the kind, has been in existence 14 months and has handled a larger amount of business than any other. It has permanent personnel and secretary, and its files, [Page 1001] registers and data are very considerable. With possible exception of black list and policy as to enemy houses, matters which are really outside its province, its decisions have been prompt and harmonious and the machinery has worked satisfactorily. [Serious?] complaints have not been heard so far as I am aware. The French and English representatives are efficient and diligent. Unless for the strongest possible reasons, I do not believe that at this late date, when the end of war seems in sight, it is at all necessary or advisable to make such change.
- 2.
- Paris committee would necessarily be [sic] and entail great and inconvenient increases of communications between here and Paris and constant visits here in order to keep in touch with local situation.
- 3.
- Plan will greatly diminish standing of Berne commission with Swiss Government. I am convinced that in these matters pressure to be effective should be applied locally, but since also real authority is taken from the commission here, it will have no influence with the Swiss and will become a mere information bureau.
- 4.
- If a committee is instituted in Paris for Switzerland, we see no reason why it should not also be applied to Spain. If Spanish committee is competent to handle these problems, it is not evident why this committee which has been dealing successfully for considerable time with blockade subjects is not still able to deal with them. However, if deemed advisable it could be strengthened.
In addition to above, I question seriously whether it is wise [to] centralize decisions in Paris where the views of the French Blockade Ministry will naturally have controlling weight, and I believe that a firm basis for impartial recommendations exists here.
We solicit your comments on the matters above set forth in order that we [may] discuss the matter in detail with him when he arrives.