740.5 MSP/2–2252: Telegram
No. 5
The Ambassador in Switzerland (Patterson) to
the Department of State1
secret
Bern, February 22, 1952—2
p.m.
1048. Fol considerations summarize Swiss position OEEC–NATO relationship.
- I.
- Factors for continuation OEEC–EPU membership:
- (a)
- Financial–trade reasons. EPU has helped Swiss exports, despite fluctuations and reintroduction restrictions in certain countries. If pressures make OEEC membership impossible in future, Swiss still interested retaining EPU membership.
- (b)
- Through OEEC, contact with NATO possible, and this only official way.
- (c)
- In considering withdrawal from OEEC, Swiss aware that bilateral approach to trade wld not have same strength as before liberalization. Chief trade partners wld have other commitments—both defense and economic—which wld make Swiss bargaining extremely difficult. Presently Swiss Commerce Division still interested bilateral approach, but do not feel they retain balance of power this point.
- (d)
- Swiss are members OEEC and very definite impetus needed to crystallize withdrawal. Petitpierre and Hotz recent speeches have emphasized probable continuation this membership.
- (e)
- OEEC and EPU only orgs (except comite internatl materials conf) Swiss represented as full member, and definite psychological appeal in continuation such membership.
- II.
- Factors against:
- (a)
- Prejudicing neutral status (see 1005, Feb 15 [13] from Bern2).
- (b)
- If substance removed OEEC through NATO, Schuman Plan, etc. no reason for remaining.
- III.
- As stated reference, Swiss can accept continued coop NATO with OEEC on specific projects. They do accept logic our position of avoiding duplication. So far as possible, essential that minimum of publicity be given such coop to avoid Swiss embarrassment.
- IV.
- Reams discussed with Zehnder OEEC question in passing, referring to Swiss OEEC delegs statements. Zehnder stressed necessity for retaining OEEC independence, if Switz and Sweden to remain. This does not exclude use of OEEC facilities for NATO work but wld be impossible from Switz view for OEEC study armaments [Page 7] or strictly mil matters for example. If this can be avoided, ways and means can be found of continuing coop.
Zehnder added that Swiss most interested retaining membership for reason (e), as Swiss do not want isolation. He added his view that from point of finance and trade, membership makes little difference.
Patterson