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Le Ministre de Suisse à Washington, H. Sulzer, à la Division des Affaires étrangères du Département politique1

Ai présenté ce jour au Président en audience personnelle médaille Etats-Unis avec allocution suivante:

Mr. President, The Comité de la Médaille des Etats-Unis has bestowed upon me the great honor of presenting to you and to the people of the United States on its behalf and through its intermediary on behalf of the Swiss people whose response to the call of the Comité has been spontaneous and sincere in all parts of the country, a medal, commemorating the friendly and generous assistance extended to Switzerland by the Government and the people of the United States in the dark days of menacing need. The address which I am requested to deliver is embodied in a special document2, accompanying the medal and reads as follows: Suit lecture texte adresse Comité suivie par terminaison suivante:

I do not feel that the eloquent simplicity of these words needs any further interpretation on my part. May I only be permitted to add that on no occasion can the heart of the interpreter be more in harmony with the feelings of those he has the privilege of expressing than in this instance, where I deeply feel the gratitude for all the good will and friendship you, Mr. President, your Government and the people of the United States have shown during these trying times to my country and to me personally and its representative.

Président a répondu comme suit: Mr. Minister, this graceful and thoughtful act on the part of the people of Switzerland in sending to my fellow countrymen and to me this beautiful token of their appreciation of the assistance the American people were able to render during those dark and troublous days of nineteeneighteen touches me greatly.

Our hearts went out to Switzerland, suffering because of the stress of war which beset her on all sides, and I assure you it was alike a privilege and a most pleasant duty to share the necessaries of life with our less fortunate brothers beyond the seas.

The cruel war just ended has left death and ruin in its wake and great and searing scars that only time can heal, but above all this there is the inspiring lesson we have learned, that prosperity can come only through a peaceful unity of purpose with the high ideal of fraternal friendship. To this great cause the United States has pledged its support and you may be sure that we will be ever ready to fulfill it.

I beg of you, Mr. Minister, to convey to the gentlemen who address me the sentiments of good will which I express on behalf of the people of the United States to the Swiss Nation and to say that this thoughtful courtesy will be made known to all, that each and every one in the United States may accept this tribute from a friendly power joined with us in a steadfast purpose for the good of humanity and the betterment of the world.