Paris Peace Conf. 863.5019/2: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall ) to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received December 12—3:15 p.m.]
15. Following is the substance of a communication which I have received from the Swiss Political Department:27a
The authorities of the neutral diplomatic missions at Vienna in a conference have decided that the neutral governments be requested to call to the attention of the Associated Governments the disastrous situation in which at present Vienna finds itself regarding the coal supply. Through both measures of restriction gas and electric plants will be unable to continue functioning more than 2 weeks longer.
Passenger traffic must be suspended in 1 week and freight traffic in 2 weeks. Coal distribution for purposes of heating has been completely stopped. If Vienna must remain without heat or light grave disorders will certainly follow. It is feared that there will be tremendous infant mortality. In consequence therefore the Associated Governments are entreated by all the neutral diplomats residing in Vienna to take steps with the government of the Czecho-Slovaks in order to liberate coal for Vienna.
- This communication was forwarded by the Swiss Government as intermediary only.↩