706.0054/11–944: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
Washington, November 26,
1944—6 p.m.
4006. Following is text of Caserta’s telegram 1237, November 9 communicating report from Melbourne1 at Bucharest:
“Melbourne reports that in long conversation with Ritter Counselor of Swiss Legation latter described Swiss situation regarding protection of foreign interests as follows:
- “1. Swiss in awkward position because diplomatic relations not maintained with Russia. With one exception when Legation truck was taken by Russians and later returned relations have been proper. Ritter explained that he has attempted to avoid trouble by not bothering Russians with problems.
- “2. Since arrival of Russians there has been no courier or telegraphic contact with Bern other than clear language. Accordingly, Ritter has felt restricted in attempting to present or comment upon protection problems.
- “3. Polish interests have presented increasingly difficult problem since arrival of Russians. Policy [Polish?] colony recently swollen [Page 1221] with questionable elements from Bessarabia and German army (?) is becoming panicky demanding protection and Bitter feels unpleasant incidents may result. He foresees that when contraction of Swiss protection activity reaches point where virtually only Polish interests remain Swiss will be powerless to exert protection influence. Work until now materially assisted due to concentration all interests in former American Legation.
- “4. Bitter asked that Bern be apprised of foregoing situation and since problem will become acute once American authorities reassume protection American interests he hopes he will receive urgent appropriate instructions.”
Stettinius
- Roy M. Melbourne, Foreign Service Officer, member of staff, Office of the U.S. Representative in Rumania (Berry).↩