Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: Political and Economic Matters, Volume II

740.00119 Control (Germany)/12–545: Telegram

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

Bern, December 5, 1945—8 p.m.
[Received 9:59 p.m.]

4932. Re my 4903, December 3.⁵² Mr. Petitpierre informs me, also my British and French colleagues, that Swiss Ministers Washington, London and Paris have been instructed to propose joint meeting for discussion question German assets during January next by when expected Swiss census and classification will be substantially completed for practical purposes. Ministers will also suggest Bern for meeting.

German assets are being classified as (a) those in Switzerland prior to January 1933, (b) those originating between that date and September 1, 1939, (c) from that date to January 1942 [1943] (Stalingrad), and (d) from then until February 1945, (blocking decree). Mr. Petitpierre felt that category (a) was a Nazi of long standing, (b) as mostly refugee from Nazi control, (c) probably small, as this was period when Germans were confident of victory and (d) period when Nazi assets might be expected to have sought refuge.

Probably Swiss will wish to discuss PL and blocking (certification) with US also.⁵³

Harrison

52. Not printed.
53. On December 10, an aide-mémoire was transmitted to the Department by the Swiss Legation suggesting that negotiations begin, preferably in Switzerland, at the earliest convenience of the Allied Governments on the problem of German assets in that country (800.515/12–1045).