File No. 861.48/390

The Chargé in Switzerland ( Wilson) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

1898. For American Red Cross [from Dresel]:

Department’s 1025, 17th.1 Regret accidental delay in receiving Department’s 1016, 11th, preventing earlier answer. Have had further conference with President, Vevey Committee, who now freely acknowledges obvious impossibility of purchasing milk or other foodstuffs here and impracticability, even if could be bought, of obtaining export permission. As alternative requests that amount of $100,000 mentioned be forwarded for purchase of supplies by Vevey Committee in neutral countries, such as Denmark and Spain. I hear, however, very questionable whether considerable quantity could be secured this way.

Referring Department’s October 16, 5 p.m., to Paris. Did not make inquiries in London as had not been advised that Polish relief in kind was contemplated, but am familiar with attitude of British Government which has since been confirmed by interview at British Legation here and which is entirely opposed to shipment of foodstuffs, including milk for children, to Poland, on the ground that Germany has never been willing to guarantee that amount of food corresponding to that imported would not be sent out of Poland into Germany by reason of such shipments. The technicalities [sic] relative to this policy previous to departure of American Embassy from Berlin was due to the effective control which it was thought Embassy could exert. This question of control already emphasized as believed impossible to obtain the neutral supervision at present. In my opinion British policy, unless modification arranged through diplomatic channels, will mean impossibility of relief shipments in kind into Poland. On the other hand British consider transfer to Poland of funds for local purchases practicable and beneficial. I concur in this view and regret that at least a trial can not be made in view of undoubtedly critical situation which it seems impossible to relieve by other means. Believe that much food can still be bought in Poland [Page 517] through Jewish traders and from accumulators of stores. As to guarantees mentioned your 1016, Vevey Committee has exhibited signed communications satisfactory in form from German Legation here, dated April 20, May 27, and June 27, this year, stating that shipments by Committee of grain, mill products, rice, potato chips, and condensed milk also, in case sent directly to Committee from overseas, of fats, bacon, tinned meats, will not be interfered with in Germany nor in occupied Poland. Dresel.

Wilson
  1. Not printed.