To hark back to Switzerland, that gallant republic, surrounded completely.
by German or German-controlled territory, is living under strange conditions. Though in sympathy ninety-nine per cent. pro-Ally (particularly, for various reasons, the German-speaking cantons), Switzerland is working at full pressure for the Axis powers —as is inevitable since it is to them alone that she can export, except for a restricted trade, which Germany could always stop if she chose, with us. On the west her frontiers adjoin both occupied and un- occupied France. With the occupied zone there is no contact whatever. The other day Professor William Rappard, who is here as member of a Swiss Trade Delegation, was being reminded by Lord Samuel of how the two had visited Voltaire's house at Femey together a few years r.go. "Yes," said Professor Rappard, "I live about ten minutes' walk from Femey, but it is easier to get to England than to get there." Proof of that is the fact that he did get here, via Vichy France, Spain and Portugal, and has never got to Femey since the German occupation. And The Germans are, of course, in a position to require even Unoccupied France to refuse transit to any person or any article.
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