740.0011 European War 1939/33770: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:10 p.m.]
2020. My 1999 and 2010.57 I called on Mr. Pilet-Golaz at his residence this afternoon to express my regret and sympathy. According his preliminary information some 50 American bombers flying from southeast in direction northwest suddenly appeared over Schaffhausen this morning and dropped bombs and incendiaries. A number of important buildings in the center of the town were hit also railway station and railway yards. Several factories on outskirts were set on fire by incendiaries. Some 100 people were killed and wounded, including a high cantonal official killed. Many persons rendered homeless; fires still burning. Railway communication with Schaffhausen interrupted. Mr. Pilet-Golaz was at a loss for any explanation of what apparently was a deliberate attack. He had sent instructions to Minister Bruggmann.58 He has also given orders that press and radio announcements should be restrained and factual.