1. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Note No. XVII.A.92, which you were so good as to address to me on the 28th ultimo as to the difficulties experienced by Switzerland in obtaining adequate supplies of food stuffs and of the raw materials necessary for her economic existence.
2. In any consideration of this subject, of which I take this opportunity to repeat that His Majesty’s Government fully appreciate the importance, it must be borne in mind that the hardships suffered by Switzerland are due to the illegal action of the German Government in sinking cargoes loaded in ships of which the replacement is necessary in the interests of the world’s commerce. For the effects of this action His Majesty’s Government must emphatically disclaim any responsibility.
3. At the same time His Majesty’s Government are sparing no effort to overcome the difficulties of tonnage which prevent the free movement of supplies of grain to Switzerland. It was confidently believed that arrangements had definitely been made at Washington for the utilization of Dutch tonnage which would mitigate those difficulties, if not entirely remove them; and it is with regret that His Majesty’s Government have learned that these arrangements have not fully matured owing to the failure of the Dutch to carry out the agreement. It is still hoped however that this matter may be very shortly adjusted.
4. As regards the raw materials of Swiss industry, the Swiss Government are aware that an arrangement is under discussion in connexion with the grant of Swiss credits3, and it is earnestly hoped that a settlement satisfactory to both parties will be reached, - a result which should be not incapable of attainment if the Swiss Government show the necessary good will in meeting the requirements of His Majesty’s Government.
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