INDEPENDENT COMMISSION OF EXPERTS
SWITZERLAND - WORLD WAR II

Berne, August 14, 1997

Press release

The Independent Commission of Experts receives testimonies

The Independent Commission of Experts: Switzerland - Second World War (ICE), under the chairmanship of Jean-François Bergier, invites witnesses to entrust the ICE with statements relevant to their investigations. It has set up a contact point for this purpose, to which persons who possess information about the scope and fate of assets brought to Switzerland as a result of national-socialist rule, about business activities of Swiss enterprises abroad, about the attitude of Swiss authorities and individuals towards refugees and prisoners as well as general information may apply.

The ICE is interested in statements by persons who are in a position to provide information on the basis of their professional activity and any other relevant experience. In this connection, it is thinking particularly in terms of (former) staff of banks, insurance companies, lawyers' chambers, fiduciary companies and in general firms with business connections abroad. In addition, the ICE will welcome any information which may be provided by (former) jewellers, art dealers and hotel staff etc., as well as personnel of the Federal Administration, the diplomatic service, the army and the border guards, the Swiss Federal Railways and the Postal Service, the Police for Foreign Nationals as well as refugee and prisoner assistance organisations etc. The same also of course applies to any descendants of such persons possessing relevant documents or information. The ICE guarantees witnesses that their statements will be handled confidentially.

Witnesses may register with from August 18:

In writing: The Independent Commission of Experts: Switzerland - Second World War, "Contemporary Witnesses”, P.O. Box 362, CH-3000 Berne 6, or by fax at 031/325 12 38.

By telephone from 0830 to 1130: On Tuesdays telephone calls will be taken in Italian and on Wednesdays in French at 031/325 12 39. On Thursdays and Fridays calls will be taken in English and German at 031/325 12 41.