740.00112 European War 1939/8953

The Swiss Legation to the Department of State

Memorandum

With regard to the State Department’s memorandum of June 10th, 1943,38 it is brought in remembrance that, on August 31st, 1939, the [Page 851] Swiss Federal Council lias solemnly proclaimed Switzerland’s neutrality in the actual conflict. This declaration, the text of which is hereto attached,39 gives a true interpretation of Switzerland’s traditional policy. It has been observed loyally and represents an undertaking to be met. Accordingly, the Swiss Federal Council has never considered the possibility to grant permission to pass foreign troops or foreign military stores through the country. The through-traffic is vigilantly watched and no events occurred which would have necessitated an intervention or a protest from the Swiss side. There are no indications present permitting the assumption that the Axis powers are pondering on a request to pass troops or military stores through Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Council is certain that Germany and Italy are convinced that such a request would be turned down as inconsistent with Switzerland’s neutrality which these countries have promised to respect.

The Swiss Government will further pursue the course indicated by the engagements entered upon and consistent with the will of the Swiss people. As for the transit through Switzerland, the Swiss Government is resolved to observe conscientiously the rules of the Law of Nations, as well as the International Conventions and to take care that it is handled in conformity with Switzerland’s policy of neutrality.

  1. See footnote 31, p. 845.
  2. Not Printed.