740.00112 European War 1939/8–1444: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 15—6:30 a.m.]
6532. For Department and FEA from Riefler and Lovitt. Following is the text of letter B to Professor Keller:
“We acknowledge receipt of your letter of today’s date. On behalf of His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and the United [Page 759] States Government we confirm that the outcome of our negotiations to date regarding the Anglo-American-Swiss agreement of December 1943 has been correctly stated by you.”
Following is the text of letter C to Professor Keller:
“With reference to our letter of today’s date on the subject of the Anglo-American-Swiss Agreement of December 1943 we wish to make it clear that in view of the rapidly changing military situation we reserve the right to call upon the Swiss Government at any time from now onwards for further reductions in or complete embargo on certain of all Swiss exports to the Axis.”
Following is the text of letter D to Lord Selborne and Mr. Riefler from Professor Keller:
“In reply to your letter of July 15th we are in a position to confirm that measures have already been taken by the Swiss Government to ensure that the advantages which His Majesty’s and the United States Governments derive from the ceiling on exports of ball and roller bearings will not be diminished by exports of other articles replacing such export. The competent technical services have received instructions to exercise a special control on applications covering such exports.”
Following is letter E to Professor Keller from Mr. Riefler with respect to gold policy:
“During our negotiations you stated that Swiss exports to Germany were paid for by imports of goods from Germany through the operation of the clearing and that a check of export licences against clearing figures shows that in any practical sense gold was not accepted in payment for these exports.
“We asked you for an assurance that this condition would continue in the future but you stated that you were uninstructed.
“It is presumably in the interests of Switzerland to take payment in goods rathen than gold. However our Governments request that you give us a clear statement that no gold will be accepted as payment for Swiss goods exported to Germany.
“You expressed a willingness to take this matter up with your Government upon your return to Bern and we would appreciate it if such an assurance could be given in writing to our respective Missions.”94
Following is the text of British announcement to the press to be published Wednesday:95
“In view of the measures already taken by the Swiss Government to reduce Swiss exports to the Axis particularly exports of war material His Majesty’s Government and the United States Government have informed the Swiss Government that current import facilities through the blockade shall continue.”
Following is text of the Swiss announcement to press:
“Trade discussions which took place in London during the last months between representatives of the British, American and Swiss Governments have led to an agreement which allows Switzerland to continue her imports of foodstuffs, fodder and fatty matters from overseas. The agreement has been signed by Lord Selborne on behalf of the British Government, by Minister W. Riefler for the United States Government and by Professor P. Keller for the Swiss Government on August 14th, 1944.[”]
Winant