U.S. State Department (April 1, 1944)
740.0011 European War 1939/33765: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland to the Secretary of State
Bern, April 1, 1944
[Received April 1 — 10:56 a.m.]
1999
It is officially announced that on April 1, 1944 at 10:30 in the morning approximately 30 American planes flew over the Cantons of Thurgau and Schaffhausen. At about 11 a.m. bombs were dropped on the town of Schaffhausen. According to presently available reports several fires are raging in the station district and in the city. Further details will be announced later. All railroad traffic in direction of Schaffhausen has been interrupted.
Military Attaché leaving immediately for Schaffhausen to investigate and report.
I shall immediately endeavor to obtain appointment with Foreign Minister for further exploration matter. Details will be telegraphed as obtained.
HARRISON
740.0011 European War 1939/33770: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland to the Secretary of State
Bern, April 1, 1944 — 8 p.m.
[Received 8:10 p.m.]
2020
My 1999 and 2010.
I called on Mr. Pilet-Golaz at his residence this afternoon to express my regret and sympathy. According his preliminary information some 50 American bombers flying from southeast in direction northwest suddenly appeared over Schaffhausen this morning and dropped bombs and incendiaries. A number of important buildings in the center of the town were hit also railway station and railway yards. Several factories on outskirts were set on fire by incendiaries. Some 100 people were killed and wounded, including a high cantonal official killed. Many persons rendered homeless; fires still burning. Railway communication with Schaffhausen interrupted. Mr. Pilet-Golaz was at a loss for any explanation of what apparently was a deliberate attack. He had sent instructions to Minister Bruggmann. He has also given orders that press and radio announcements should be restrained and factual.
HARRISON
U.S. Navy Department (April 1, 1944)
CINCPAC Press Release No. 332
For Immediate Release
April 1, 1944
Liberator bombers of the 7th Army Air Force bombed Dublon, Moen and Eten Islands in the Truk Atoll at night on March 30 (West Longitude Date). Hits were made on the airstrip at Moen and in barracks areas. Several delayed explosions were observed. Two enemy planes intercepted our bombers, but all returned safely.
Three enemy positions in the Marshall Islands were bombed and strafed by Mitchell bombers of the 7th Army Air Force and Dauntless dive bombers and Corsair fighters of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. A Dauntless bomber was shot down by anti-aircraft fire near one objective and its crew rescued by a destroyer.