740.00112 European War 1939/8889: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland ( Harrison ) to the Secretary of State

4172, bis. In sequence to my 4139 (510 to London) July 13.43 Following is text in translation of an aide-mémoire handed simultaneously to my British colleague and myself this evening by Federal Councillor Stampfli:44

(Begin aide-mémoire) Federal Department Public Economy has honor to reply as follows to the memorandum which Legation of Great Britain transmitted to it under date July 5, 1943.45

1. Since interruption of negotiations occurred at London in December 1942, Swiss Government has endeavored to take into account to greatest possible extent observations formulated in British and American notes of May 26, 1943.46 In present circumstances placing into effect of the measures envisaged encounters particularly grave difficulties which can only be overcome by stages.

It was Swiss Government’s view that it would have been of common interest to permit Messrs. Sulzer and Keller to develop in London itself the import and scope of these measures. It can only regret that Governments of Great Britain and United States have not thought it possible to accept immediate renewal of these negotiations.

2. In order to assure British and American Governments of its firm intention to take into account point of view expressed in notes of May 26, Swiss Government has put into force from July 1, 1943, as was foreseen from Swiss memorandum of June 18 [21?]47 the quota control of exports to Germany of following products: 811/813 [Page 855] finished arms and their parts; 1083/84 explosive materials and munitions; 948a gas meters, etc. (Fuses); 753/56 precision tools for metal working; 914h airplanes and parts; 937 astronomical, geodetic and mathematical instruments and apparatuses. Under this quota control by Swiss tariff positions the exportation of these products may not exceed in value during the second semester of the year 1943, 40% of the corresponding exports destined to Germany during year 1942.

3. Although it would have preferred first to have entered into relation with competent authorities in London before taking other measures the Swiss Government is in position to make known at once its intention to limit also from August 1, 1943, to 80% of value of exports of 1942, exports to Germany of the products mentioned under following customs tariff numbers: 809a1–3 ball bearings; M6 machine tools; 935d and 936d chronographs. It is disposed to transfer to group 3 and place under quota also beginning with the same date the products included under 954a (radio apparatus).

As a result of this quota control by customs tariff positions exportation of these products destined to Germany may not during 5 last months of current year exceed in value 33⅓% of the corresponding exports of year 1942.

Moreover request expressed in British memorandum of July 5 and which calls for separation (specification) of fuses under tariff item 948a will be accorded.

4. By measures indicated under paragraphs 2 and 3 following numbers under groups 3 and 4 will be subjected as far as exports to Germany are concerned to the restrictions suggested by British and American Governments: 811/13 finished arms and their spare parts; 1083/84 explosive materials and munitions; 948a gas meters etc. (Fuses); 753/56 precision tools for metal working; 914h airplanes and parts; 937, astronomical, geodetic and mathematical instruments and apparatus; 809a1–3 ball bearings; M6 machine tools; 935d and 936d chronographs; and 954a radio apparatus.

Swiss Government is firmly decided to maintain these quotas in force. Nevertheless it hopes that British and American Governments will be good enough to resume without delay the delivery of navicerts for foodstuffs and this at least within limits of quotas accorded until now.

5. Swiss Government is disposed to put into force immediately with regard to all Axis countries export prohibition envisaged in Swiss memorandum of June 18 for the dairy products included in following customs tariff numbers: EX 19 powdered milk, 91 fresh milk, 92 condensed milk, 98a/t, 99c cheese, as well as quota envisaged for numbers 137a, 138a/b, 139, 140, 142a breeding cattle, if at the same time the British and American Governments open sufficient quotas and deliver navicerts for importation into Switzerland of feedstuffs (oats, barley, corn, oil cake). These restrictions will be maintained so long as navicerts will be granted for importation into Switzerland of these feedstuffs.

6. The imposition of quotas for the other customs positions included in group 3 as well as the export of war material and machinery to Axis countries other than Germany which is most important destinee, raises many questions both of a technical and economic nature which should without fail be discussed orally. Taking into [Page 856] account the measures already applied and those for which entry into effect is envisaged Swiss Government hopes that British and American Governments will be disposed to resume negotiations without delay for purpose of discussing these questions and certain problems which have already been subject of previous negotiations. July 10, 1943. (End aide-mémoire).

Repeated to London.

Harrison
  1. Not printed.
  2. Walter Stampfli, Chief of the Swiss Department of Public Economy.
  3. See footnote 41, p. 852.
  4. See telegram No. 3242, May 27, 8 p.m., from the Minister in Switzerland, p. 842.
  5. See telegram No. 4109, June 21, from the Ambassador in the United Kingdom, p. 848.