Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1939, General, Volume I

740.00/1164: Telegram

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

Bern, April 25, 1939—5 p.m.
[Received April 25—4 p.m.]

38. In further reference to your telegraphic instructions 21, April 20, 7 p.m.

1. Mr. Bonna⁴¹ asked me to call this afternoon and told me that after presenting your suggestion to Federal Councilor Bauman the matter had been considered today by the Federal Council and that he had been authorized to make the following informal and oral reply:

“The effort of President Roosevelt with a view to lessening the international tension has called forth a sympathetic echo in our country, profoundly attached to peace. In conformity with Switzerland’s traditional neutrality, the Federal Council must, however, confine itself to taking note of the message of the President of the United States.”

2. Bonna went on to say that while every right-minded Swiss welcomed the President’s initiative the Government did not feel that they could pronounce themselves in view of the special situation of Switzerland. He repeated that he hoped this would be understood and that they had the highest regard for the President and the Government of the United States.

3. Bonna also said that it was not his intention to inform the press but if it became necessary to do so he would give out the oral reply as quoted above.

4. I asked him if there would be any objection should you wish to give out his reply to me as quoted above. He replied that he had no objection provided his reply is included with replies from other countries and provided it is not published separately. He added that he would appreciate being given ample advance notice of publication.

Harrison

41. Pierre Bonna, Chief of the Division of Foreign Affairs in the Swiss Political Department (Foreign Ministry).