740.00112 European War 1939/10939d: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Harrison)
1818. The possibility of discontinuing Swedish exports of piston rings to Axis is favorable,38 FEA and Department have been informed recently. It is believed that the views of the Swiss on this subject should be explored and we are most anxious that they agree to a similar ban. Suggest that you and your British colleague,39 when he receives similar instructions, discuss the matter jointly with Swiss Government officials in Bern, as we believe that if the matter is considered apart from current London negotiations, the prospects of success may be greater. Please ascertain the quantity and value of preemptive purchases required by us so that we can discuss matter with appropriate purchasing authorities here, should the Swiss raise the question. Repeated London,40 sent Bern.
- For correspondence regarding negotiations with Sweden relative to cessation of exports to German-occupied Europe, see pp. 456 ff.↩
- Clifford J. Norton.↩
- Repeated to London as telegram 4186 with the following addition: “Discuss with MEW this proposal and urge that there be sent to British Mission in Bern, parallel instructions.”↩