611.5431/280a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson)
90. With respect to the proposed protocol in regard to the smuggling of watches and watch movements which has been submitted in definitive form to the Swiss negotiators and transmitted to Bern for approval the Department is dissatisfied with paragraph numbered 6. It desires to substitute therefor the following language
“6. The Swiss watch organization which is designated by the Government of Switzerland for the issuance of export permits will, after due warning, refuse to issue export permits for the shipment of watches and watch movements for the account of any person if there is probable cause to believe that such person has smuggled or is engaged in the smuggling of watches or watch movements into the United States and if such person has refused to permit a duly accredited customs officer of the United States to inspect his stock or records pertaining to such merchandise or the purchase or importation thereof.”
Agreement has been reached on all save very minor points and it is hoped that the trade agreement will be signed about the first of the year. You will appreciate, therefore, the urgency for coming to an agreement on the final text of the smuggling protocol. Please take the earliest opportunity to attempt to obtain the consent of the Swiss authorities to the language set forth above.
Micheli has been informed of the substance of this telegram.