840.48 Refugees/4789: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
3159. Reference Legation’s 7262, November 19.68 Following telegram has been sent to London.
“From Department and FEA. Swiss Federal Council delivered on November 16 a note to U.S. and British Legations in Bern describing the heavy burden imposed on their economy by the refugee problem and indicating that reduction in their exports may cause unemployment which will make even more difficult their aid to refugees.
Department and FEA suggest that the substance of the following communication be presented to the Swiss authorities by the British and U.S. Legations:
‘The United States Government is aware of and appreciates greatly the generous reception which the Swiss Government has extended to the large number of refugees who have made their way to Swiss territory. This Government also looks forward to the time when these refugees may be repatriated and will lend its cooperation in every feasible way toward the achievement of this end.
This Government appreciates also the burden upon Swiss resources resulting from the care of these refugees and will be glad to give sympathetic consideration to such proposals as the Swiss Government may wish to make with a view to easing the burden which the care of these refugees has placed on the Swiss economy. The Swiss Government may be assured that the Governments of the United States and United Kingdom will give as favorable consideration as circumstances permit to requests for the purchase and import through the blockade of additional supplies of foodstuffs and textiles to relieve the burden placed on Swiss resources by reason of assistance extended to refugees.
In this connection reference is made to the Department’s telegram 2537, October 15, in which mention was made of the sympathetic attitude in this country on the part of various relief organizations and their desire to be of assistance. Funds in substantial amounts, contributed for foreign relief, are available in the United States if the Swiss Government desires to avail itself of this assistance.’
If you and your British colleagues agree, please inform the Legations in Bern.”
No action should be taken pursuant to above message until British agreement is communicated to you by Embassy, London.
- Not printed; it contained translation of a note dated November 16, 1943, from the Swiss Foreign Office.↩