724.3415/3822: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson), at Geneva
160. Your 261, June 12, 11 a.m. Have appropriate measures been taken to ensure close cooperation and exchange of information between the Delegation92 and the Consulate in regard to this and other matters of concern to both? See Department’s 54, June 6, 7 p.m., to Gilbert.
The Department, in administering restrictions on exports pursuant to the Joint Resolution of January 31, 1922,93 has held the phrase “arms and munitions of war” to include military airplanes and parts thereof, and military airplanes have been held to include not only airplanes of a specifically military character, but all airplanes presumed to be destined for military use. It is assumed that the same construction will be placed upon the phrase by the authorities of this Government charged with the enforcement of the President’s Proclamation of May 28.
All shipments of arms and munitions of war known or supposed to be destined to Bolivia or Paraguay are being scrutinized by Treasury officials and information concerning them is being brought to the attention of the Department of Justice for investigation and possible criminal prosecution under the terms of the President’s Proclamation. Shipments in cases in which prosecution is instituted will be seized and held as evidence.
You may use the above information in any manner your judgment may dictate, provided that no action is taken which would conflict with the policy indicated in our No. 61, June 11, 7 p.m., to Gilbert.94
Please transmit the information contained herein to Gilbert. It is suggested that you may wish to request him to explain the considerations on which he based the expression of opinion in paragraph 2 of his No. 160 of June 12, 4 p.m.94 in order that you may have his recommendations before you decide whether or not to transmit all or part of this information to Najera.
Report by telegraph.