File No. 763.72114/2756a
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall)
822. On June 6 the French Ambassador wrote this Department stating that the Director General of the Swiss Post Office had recently filed a request from the German Government for free transit through France of parcels not over 5 kilograms for prisoners of war in the United States and requesting statement of the attitude of this Government in the premises. This note was sent to Postmaster General on June 12 with recommendation that it be approved on basis of reciprocity with France, Switzerland, and Germany. His reply approving this basis was communicated to French Ambassador June 26.
The Department understands from Castle1 that, in the absence of a parcel-post convention, you are negotiating with the Swiss Government for permission and facilities for free transmission of parcels to American prisoners in enemy countries or Switzerland. This agreement would presumably be similar to that made by British Government. French Government states that it is entirely disposed to grant similar facilities for shipments through France. Please cable status of your negotiations with Swiss Government.
- William R. Castle, Jr., Director of Bureau of Communications, American Red Cross.↩