Office of the Historian

102.1/9–2944: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)60

Washington, December 13, 1944—11 a.m.

4193. From Department, Treasury and FEA. Your 2108 to London November 3.61

1.
You are hereby instructed forthwith to raise again the adoption of a gold policy by Swiss Government in accordance with instructions in our 3104 September 8 and to urge strongly not only acceptance but appropriate measures effectuating such gold policy. Suggested revision of text contained in 3104 should offer opportunity to raise question again. Concurrence of British in proposed approach is highly desirable, but action should not be unduly delayed on this account.
2.
Please report immediately reaction of Swiss Government as requested our 3364 September 29,62 last paragraph, and if negative, what measures you recommend to impress upon Swiss the importance we attach to their adherence.
3.
Our 3104 September 8, informed you that our missions in other neutral countries are being authorized to present to other neutrals for immediate acceptance a gold policy similar to that outlined in our cable to you 2558 July 2663 with certain modifications quoted in 3104 September 8. This has been done.
Stettinius
  1. Repeated on the same date to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom as telegram 10379, with the following paragraphs added:
    • “4. Please inform MEW and arrange, if possible, so that British Legation, Bern, will be similarly instructed forthwith.
    • “5. Washington considers immediate strong action important at this time.
    • “6. If you feel necessary that missions in Bern be told of exact terms in which approach was made to the other neutrals, you are authorized to do so. However, we feel this might confuse the issue, particularly at this late date.”
    ↩
  2. Not printed; in this telegram (according to London’s telegram 9995, November 15, 8 p.m.) Bern had requested further instructions as to whether the Swiss should again be approached concerning adoption of an approved gold policy (102.1/11–1544).↩
  3. Not printed; it repeated telegram 7966, September 29, to London (p. 239), and inquired concerning Swiss reaction to presentation of Legation’s aide-mémoire of August 24 (see footnote 29, p. 228). (102.1/9–2944)↩
  4. See footnote 30, p. 228.↩