The following letter was written at the request of the Swiss government after the theft of the plaque. This letter helped to ease the tension between the Germans and the Americans, with the Swiss in the middle. Note that there is no apology to the Germans. The letter is dated the same day that Sampson and Garcia escaped from the camp at Wauwilermoos. By the time the Germans had received the letter, the two Americans were already on their way to freedom. (Letter provided by Fredy Peter.)
AMERICAN INTERNMENT CAMP
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT
PALACE HOTEL, DAVOS-PLATZ
16 August, 1944
Subject: Removal of Consular Sign from German Consulate
To: Colonel Blanc
Service d' Internment et Hospitalization l' Armee Suisse
Thru Brigadier General B. R. Legge, U. S. A.
American Military Attache, Bern
1. The removal of the official sign from the German
Consulate at Davos-Platz was done by two American officers
who have admitted the fact and who have been reported to the
Commanding Officer of all U. S. personnel in Switzerland.
These officers have been disciplined.2. As Camp Commander of U. S. A. A. F. Internees at
Davos-Platz in the name of the officers here I regret the
incident. All efforts on my part have been made to prevent
such untoward incidents. It must be believed that this was
an immature prank on the part of two irresponsible officers.
L. F. McGuire
Capt., USAAF.
Commanding
First Indorsement
Forwarded to Colonel Blanc expressing my official
regrets to the Swiss Internment Service for the incident
which I have investigated and dealt with.
B. R. Legge
Brigadier General, USMA.
Commanding U. S. Troops
in Switzerland