740.0011 European War 1939/33837: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland (Harrison) to the Secretary of State

2110. Mayer [Maher]61 informs me that Monday62 afternoon Swiss authorities convened special press conference for confidential orientation Schaffhausen incident. This conference revealed that my prompt visit to Political Department was particularly appreciated and was compared favorably with rather reluctant attitude British in cases violation Swiss air space. On other hand state[ment] attributed to Americans regarding bad weather conditions caused much criticism. [Page 795] Conference felt that this reflected on veracity other Amn communiqués (see my 2086, April 4). Finally correspondent expressed thought that Americans would probably try to buy Swiss sympathy by offering financial reparation but that this would never be enough.

I think last quoted statement need not be taken too seriously since of course financial reparations are expected by Swiss themselves. Statement itself is common reflection of thought of certain class of Europeans who not only now but in prewar period have engaged in this form of polemics against alleged Amn materialism. The idea is hackneyed and motives behind it are discredited.

Harrison
  1. Dale W. Maher, Second Secretary of Embassy in Switzerland.
  2. April 3.