61340 Vorabseiten_e - Unabhängige Expertenkommission Schweiz

clear that Switzerland had nothing to reproach itself for in this regard: «We
have adopted a clean and irreproachable position. It is not our mission to
accept and protect war criminals and plunder. Rather, Switzerland will do
everything in its power to ensure that property obtained illegally is
returned to its rightful owners.» 31
This statement was in line with the agreement signed on the following day,
8March, in which the Federal Council stated that it was prepared to freeze and
certify German assets in Switzerland:
«The Swiss Government, acting both on its own behalf and on behalf of
the Principality of Liechtenstein, affirms its decision to oppose that the
territory of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein be used for
the concealment or the receiving of assets taken illegally or under duress
during the war. It further declares that every opportunity will be given to
dispossessed owners to claim in Switzerland and in the Principality any
property found there, within the framework of Swiss legislation as it exists
today or as it may be amended in future.» 32
However, barely three weeks later, the promises made by Switzerland in this
agreement were repudiated by an internal circular from the Federal Political
Department (Eidgenössisches Politisches Departement, EPD), which declared this
«veritable plan for economic warfare» 33 by the Allies against Switzerland
unacceptable in terms of its neutrality policy. By this time Switzerland was
already pursuing a dual strategy which consisted on the one hand of seeking
rapid agreement with the Allies, and on the other hand playing for time when
implementing practical measures.
Legislation on looted assets, 1945/1946
In the last few months before the end of the war, the Allied demands on
Switzerland – particularly in relation to legislation on the return of looted
cultural assets – took on such proportions that the government set about establishing
a general legal basis for the restitution of looted assets. However, the
legislative process proceeded slowly. On 20 August 1945, an initial step was
taken to create a procedure for impounding looted assets. But, instead of establishing
effective import and export controls, particularly for works of art, the
Federal Council finally decided to introduce no more than an informal reporting
procedure. The enquiry into stolen securities and works of art held in safes
which was initiated by the Federal Political Department (EPD) as a result
encountered resistance from the Swiss Bankers Association, whose legal
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