102.102/362: Telegram
The Chargé in Switzerland (Boal) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 28—4:22 p.m.]
120. Legation’s 112, October 20 [29], 2 p.m. In a letter received today Mr. Schulthess states that since his conversation with [Page 732] the Minister, Durant and Huguenin of Basel have been threatened by Treasury officials with stoppage of their imports into America if they do not immediately consent to examination of their books. Schulthess states this firm has been reserving its reply only pending outcome of his complaint reported in telegram 112. He requests that I ask Treasury representative, Zürich, to cause any American customs measures arising from such refusals to be held in abeyance pending final reply to his objections.
I have advised Treasury representative of this communication.
I should appreciate telegraphic expression of Department’s views for guidance in replying to Schulthess.