861.77 Chinese Eastern/655: Telegram
The Chargé in Switzerland (Moffat) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:07 p.m.]
118. Department’s circular December 5, 4 p.m.1 Federal Council at recent meeting decided that in view of Switzerland’s lack of relations with Russia and in view of its traditional policy of neutrality and nonintervention it could not make official representations to the Government[s] of Russia and China even though it fully concurred in the aims of the American Government in calling attention to the obligation assumed under the Pact of Paris. Mr. Motta drafted a communiqué based on the discussion without [with?] the Federal Council reading as follows:
“The American Chargé d’Affaires has officially informed the Federal Council of the contents of the note which the American Government addressed to the Chinese Government and delivered to the Government of Soviet Russia as a result of recent events in Manchuria and inquired whether the Federal Government might find it possible to participate in some manner in this action which the American Government was taking by virtue of the Pact for the Renunciation of War.
Inasmuch as it has no diplomatic relations with Russia and in view of Switzerland’s special position, the Federal Council has not judged [Page 414] it possible to make diplomatic representations in the strict sense of the word to the Governments of China and Soviet Russia. None the less in the conviction that it is voicing public opinion throughout Switzerland, the Federal Council joins in the hope that these two Governments which signed a treaty which solemnly proscribes recourse to war for the settlement of international conflicts will strive for a pacific solution of the dispute which has arisen between them.”
[Paraphrase.] Desiring to be helpful, Mr. Motta has indicated his willingness to be guided by your preference in regard to whether this communiqué be issued or be regarded as an oral response to my oral representations last week. I request urgently your instructions. [End paraphrase.]
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