740.00112 European War 1939/9–544: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 6—3:11 a.m.]
5856. Refmytel 5710, August 31. At his request I called upon Mr. Pilet this afternoon. He informed me that at this morning’s meeting of the Federal Council the decision was taken in principle to give notice to German Government under escape clause of latest Swiss-German agreement. Formal notice of the action taken would be communicated to CA and CS at a meeting of Mixed Commission and Germans notified shortly. Extent of transfer guarantees which may be accorded after September 30 would depend upon revised agreement about to be negotiated. However, notification would not [Page 766] be given to Swiss manufacturers prior to the deadline September 15 of any guarantee for their exports for month of October.
Shall report further details after meeting of Mixed Commission which has not yet been fixed by Hotz. Should greatly appreciate any indications you may care to give with regard to stoppage and reductions in exports which you think would be useful as guidance to CA at that meeting. Otherwise he will press for complete stoppage of items in group 1 of Annex I and severe reductions in remaining items.
Repeated to London.