dodis.ch/53841 Note from the British Legation in Bern to the Political Department1
Berne, 7 May 19431943-05-07
His Majesty’s Legation present their compliments to the Federal Political department and have the honour to inform them that His Majesty’s Government have learnt that the Swiss Government have informed the Permanent Central Opium Board that owing to war conditions they will be unable to fulfil their obligation under Drug Conventions of 19252 and 19313 to supply the Board with statistics of drug production and manufacture.
According to the latest report furnished by the Permanent Central Opium Board, most countries are still complying either partially or wholly with their obligations, and Switzerland is the only country which has officially declined to send returns in future4.
His Majesty’s Government attach importance to the continuance of international control of the drug traffic and they are concerned lest the dangers which led Governments after the last war to set up the existing system of control may reappear in an aggravated form. The best method of coping with these dangers would seem to be the maintenance as far as possible, and eventually the complete reestablishment of the existing system of control in Europe.
His Majesty’s Government earnestly hope that the Swiss Government will be ready to cooperate when the time comes for such action, and would therefore be grateful if the Swiss Government will reconsider the possibility of facilitating the introduction of a future system of control by furnishing statistics of present drug production and manufacture.
His Majesty’s Legation avail themselves of this opportunity to renew to the Federal Political Department the assurance of their high consideration5.