340.1115A/2404: Telegram
The Chargé in Switzerland (Huddle) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 23—5:02 p.m.]
248. American Interests—Welfare Messages. Department’s 172, January 21, received but not yet transmitted pending Department’s decision on following suggested amendments.
[Page 254]Numbered paragraph 2. Recommended that inquiries and messages be accepted only for communication by telegraph in view of present uncertainty and difficulty and delay mail communication in Europe and impossibility mail communication to Far East. This will also ease handling in Bern and avoid followup inquiries caused by mail delay. Recommended further that paragraph provide that when inquiry or message is telegraphed at Government expense it will include final words “Charge Government”.
Numbered paragraph 3. Recommended sentence be added as follows: Ordinary 25 word message Bern–Copenhagen costs at present approximately dollar and half, Bern–Tokio, 24 dollars.
Numbered paragraph 4 (B). Foreign Office now states it cannot undertake prepare separate vouchers for individual telegrams but that it is willing inform Legation immediately of telegraph charges for each message sent and for reply when received from Swiss representative abroad. When transmitting replies to Department Legation will be able therefore include statement total charges. However, in cases when it is unable to do so it proposes to state cost Bern–Washington followed by word “partial” signifying Swiss charges remain for collection when Swiss Government accounts are received with indication those charges. Paragraphs 4 and 5 should be amended accordingly (to enable Legation add Swiss costs in dollars). Please telegraph conversion rate as requested in Legation’s 241, January 23, paragraph 4.
Numbered paragraph 6. Omit reference to mail inquiries in last sentence in line with recommended change in paragraph 2.
Finally recommended telegram should include statement persons desiring welfare inquiries made or messages sent may be referred to local Red Cross organization if transmission inquiry or message not undertaken.