740.00112 European War 1939/9499: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
6717. For your information, the Swiss Minister called yesterday to protest against the continued pressure on Swiss firms. He stated that the Germans would have to counter this action by other economic warfare measures, thus making Switzerland an economic warfare battleground. He said that if the pressure continued, it might be necessary for his Government to enact legislation prohibiting Swiss firms from giving any undertakings which would limit exports. He stated that if such action were taken by his Government, he hoped that we would understand the motivating reasons.
He was advised that this procedure was one of the measures considered necessary to attain our objectives in limiting Swiss economic aid to Germany, and that we would find it extremely difficult to modify the procedure unless a satisfactory overall agreement is promptly negotiated.
In foregoing connection see Bern Legation’s 6651, October 24, to us76 sent to you as Bern’s 910. Sent to London, repeated to Bern as Department’s No. 2636.
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