Post by Diarist on Mar 5, 2016 17:35:50 GMT 1
Giuseppe Motta, the head of the Federal Political Department and responsible for Swiss Foreign Affairs, was deeply concerned about events in Italy and the fiasco in the League of Nations earlier in the day. France and the United Kingdom had formally requested that Swiss Federation represent them in their negotiations with the League Council during their absence. He was also annoyed because Italy had demanded the earliest possible date so today, a Sunday, was scheduled only to have them asking for a later date. After consulting with colleagues in the Federal Council, the ambassadors from Britain, France, Greece, Italy and Yugoslavia were informed that they are being summoned to his offices then next morning at 10 o'clock.
Motta is from Ticino, an Italian Canton in Switzerland, and has been following events closely since Mussolini's rise to power. There are many Italian refugees in his home canton and despite increasing tensions due to clashes between fascist and anti-fascist groups in Switzerland the relationship with Italy hasn't suffered too adversely. He was elected to the Federal Council of Switzerland on December 14, 1911 is affiliated with the Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland. He led the Department of Finance from 1912 to 1919 before moving to the Political Department in 1920. He has been President of the Confederation four times, in 1915, 1920, 1927 and 1932.
Motta was involved with the Federal Council Felix Calonder in Switzerland's accession to the League of Nations. On 16 May 1920 Switzerland joined the League of Nations. He presided in 1924 the League of Nations Assembly. He was one of the most outspoken advocates of admission of Germany and has pleaded for a partial departure from the Swiss neutrality principle.