740.00112 European War 1939/7–1744: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
Washington, July 26,
1944—8 p.m.
5852. It is desired by Department and FEA to make certain comments on Bern’s 4601, July 18, repeated to you as 1270. (Our 5589 and A–1262, July 1781)
- 1.
- Swiss attitude is most disturbing and it is believed course of action which we should adopt should be given consideration now. It appears that Swiss reaction is not along lines we had hoped since the unsatisfactory Swiss statements on enemy use of their railways were made after the Swiss Government had received a report of Secretary Hull’s convocation of the Swiss Minister.82 It is strongly believed that we should be ready to consider appropriate retaliatory action now.
- 2.
- A listing campaign is considered by us to be our most effective initial weapon in achieving new ceilings on Swiss exports of arms and machinery. Our views on plans for such a campaign are discussed in detail in an accompanying telegram. If by July 31 (10 days after Mr. Eden saw the Swiss Minister) Keller has not replied favorably on the new ceilings, we believe the two Legations in Bern should immediately approach outstanding Swiss firms demanding that they sign undertakings or the next subsequent supplement to the Proclaimed and Statutory Lists will show their names. In case Swiss do not meet our demands meanwhile, discuss this urgently with MEW with a view to obtaining agreement to joint action along these lines being taken July 31.
- 3.
- We believe that Harrison and his British colleague should be
instructed to make immediate representations to Pilet-Golaz covering
our dissatisfaction with Swiss measures to preserve the neutrality
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of their transit
facilities under present condition, with reference to enemy use of
Swiss railway facilities, provided you and MEW agree. It is believed
that at least the following points should be covered by such
representations:
- A.
- We in no sense meant that we would be content with inadequate control measures when we agreed that Swiss action on enemy use of Swiss railways should be unilateral.
- B.
- We consider adequate control measures by Swiss to involve refusal to transport all war materials (defined at least as strictly as by the Swedes), transportation of other materials of possible strategic importance at levels not in excess of normal, and at least maintenance of total enemy traffic at normal, that is, prewar levels. These points have been made clear to the Swiss repeatedly. It is also expected that they prohibit shipment of looted goods of any type from Italy and that they adjust normal traffic levels in line with liberation of Italian territory.
- C.
- The delaying tactics the Swiss have employed in this matter are deplored particularly and we are most dissatisfied with Swiss handling of the matter. Hohl stated when discussion of transit questions took place that he was only a technician and had no authority to deal with the problem, after the discussion had been postponed until his return. This we fail to understand.
- D.
- The Swiss should be warned in strong terms that we will be forced to consider measures at our disposal to prevent the enemy from continuing to receive undue assistance from Swiss railway facilities, if they do not act immediately to implement neutrality of their railway facilities as outlined in B above. You are authorized to request Harrison to take necessary action if you and MEW agree as to the desirability of representations in Bern along these lines. Action taken should be cabled urgently.
- 4.
- In case Swiss do not comply with our request, discuss with MEW what counter-action we should take. Withholding food quotas is not favored here. Discussions with military as to feasibility of air attacks on key points in the approaches in Germany and Italy to the two main Swiss rail routes should be considered in any case we believe. Do not discuss this with Swiss at this stage however. Repeated Bern, sent London.
Hull