DOCSLIB.ORG

Our Swiss Abroad

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Our Swiss Abroad Our Swiss abroad Autor(en): [s.n.] Objekttyp: Article Zeitschrift: The Swiss observer : the journal of the Federation of Swiss Societies in the UK Band (Jahr): - (1962) Heft 1412 PDF erstellt am: 25.09.2021 Persistenter Link: http://doi.org/10.5169/seals-691526 Nutzungsbedingungen Die ETH-Bibliothek ist Anbieterin der digitalisierten Zeitschriften. Sie besitzt keine Urheberrechte an den Inhalten der Zeitschriften. Die Rechte liegen in der Regel bei den Herausgebern. Die auf der Plattform e-periodica veröffentlichten Dokumente stehen für nicht-kommerzielle Zwecke in Lehre und Forschung sowie für die private Nutzung frei zur Verfügung. Einzelne Dateien oder Ausdrucke aus diesem Angebot können zusammen mit diesen Nutzungsbedingungen und den korrekten Herkunftsbezeichnungen weitergegeben werden. Das Veröffentlichen von Bildern in Print- und Online-Publikationen ist nur mit vorheriger Genehmigung der Rechteinhaber erlaubt. Die systematische Speicherung von Teilen des elektronischen Angebots auf anderen Servern bedarf ebenfalls des schriftlichen Einverständnisses der Rechteinhaber. Haftungsausschluss Alle Angaben erfolgen ohne Gewähr für Vollständigkeit oder Richtigkeit. Es wird keine Haftung übernommen für Schäden durch die Verwendung von Informationen aus diesem Online-Angebot oder durch das Fehlen von Informationen. Dies gilt auch für Inhalte Dritter, die über dieses Angebot zugänglich sind. Ein Dienst der ETH-Bibliothek ETH Zürich, Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zürich, Schweiz, www.library.ethz.ch http://www.e-periodica.ch 50140 THE SWISS OBSERVER 13th July 1962 nationalizations could only take place against the payment OUR SWISS ABROAD of just compensation to Swiss owners. After long and difficult negotiations, reparations were obtained from The following extracts were Eastern countries in lump sums which were distributed to taken from an address by M. the victims in accordance with rules of International Law. Maurice Jaccard, head of the Swiss Federal Office in charge Besides, the Confederation as far as of questions relating to Swiss was financially Abroad, which he delivered on possible, helped our fellow-countrymen to start a new the occasion of the Annual living elsewhere. Its expenses, on behalf of Swiss abroad Assembly and Dinner of the who lost their belongings in the second World War, Pennsylvania Chapter of the about 300 francs. New Helvetic Society, 28th amount to million April, in Philadelphia, U.S.A. Our world is divided up into at least two parts. A characteristic of the situation of the Swiss who live This is the case in particular for Europe where the two abroad is diversity. Today about 265,000 Swiss citizens worlds are separated by a demarcation line of a political are registered at Swiss Embassies, Legations and Consu- and ideological nature, with its repercussions on the lates as against 400,000 in 1939. Such a comparison gives situation of Swiss abroad. an idea of how devastating were the effects of war on Swiss communities abroad. It is also worth mentioning, In Western Europe among our fellow-countrymen, that in 1939 a third of the fellow-countrymen registered at one often comes across problems relating to Switzerland's Embassies, Legations or Consulates, had a second attitude towards European integration. These problems nationality. Today there are almost twice as many. About are mostly brought up by fellow-citizens who have settled 60% of the Swiss registered abroad have acquired the in the countries of the European Economic Community. nationality of the country in which they live. And were Switzerland's attitude is often misunderstood in Western we to include in these figures all those who are not countries. A common reproach is that of overlooking registered, then the percentage would be much greater. reality and clinging to antiquated institutions like neutrality, our system of direct democracy and our When examining the situation of the Swiss abroad we federalism. In our opinion this criticism is unjustified. we hold on to institutions, it is because we believe must divide them up into different groups. It is very im- If our that alone to to portant to know whether a Swiss lives in New York, in they correspond our nature, our diversity Liechtenstein, in Buenos Aires, in Hong Kong or in and allow us, a nation of five and a half million inhabi- Bucharest. For the sake of simpleness we shall take three tants, with two denominations and four languages, to live in hold steadfast to is groups of countries into consideration. First of all, peace. If we on our neutrality it Eastern countries, that is countries behind the Iron because we are convinced that in this way we are of more Curtain; secondly, the so-called Western countries, and use to the community of nations than in giving up our We believe that which has its lastly the underdeveloped countries. As you will have neutrality. our neutrality, be armed. The noticed the division is not a matter of chance. It shows roots in an age-old experience, must clearly how closely the Swiss abroad are linked to events financial and other sacrifices which the Swiss nation makes in their country of residence and to what extent they for its armed neutrality reflect this belief. For 1962, the share its fate. I shall try to describe a few of the more Confederation will devote a third of its whole budget to typical problems confronting the Swiss living in each one defence. Switzerland is no military vacuum in the middle of and Western of these three groups. Europe if Europe were to spend amounts of the same importance, it would now have 300 Divisions. in the In the Eastern countries, particularly Balkans, These are questions of which we must continually Swiss communities. there were thriving Many of our remind our fellow-countrymen in the West. We set great in fellow-countrymen had important places in industry, store on the Swiss abroad understanding the policy of trade, in the banks and in agriculture. They made a their fatherland and approving it. considerable contribution to the economic development of these countries, many representing renowned and often Along with the development which took place in world-famous Swiss industries, in particular firms of the Europe after the war and which led to the splitting up of chemical and machine industries. Many fairly large-sized the old continent into two, another situation developed, and smaller firms were founded with the help of Swiss namely, what we generally regard as the end of the capital. Not a few of our fellow-citizens worked as colonial system. Whole regions of Asia and Africa be- experts for the Governments of these countries and in came independent, but they need help from highly that way reached high positions. industrial countries. The problems of the Western world are closely related to those of the underdeveloped countries, The far-reaching changes in the political, economic and our fellow-countrymen in Africa and Asia see it daily. and social structure of the Eastern states wrought by war They must adjust themselves to the new situation which dealt a heavy blow at the situation of our fellow-country- is not always easy for everyone. In the Congo, for example, men. Hundreds were forced to give up their living and in a very short time Swiss citizens with brilliant positions return to Switzerland or settle in other countries. Only a lost all their belongings and were only able to save their few Swiss, mostly aged people who had acquired the skins. Elsewhere the prejudice to personal and economic nationality of their country of residence, remained in those situation was not so striking but the damage done is never- countries. theless very much there. It is not always noticeable and it is all the more painful when the final stage of develop- The structural changes led to nationalization of ment is reached. Other changes are the consequence of private property. Appealing to principles of International differences in the political and economic structure of these Law, the Swiss Government was of the opinion that these countries. We negotiate with the authorities of these 13th July 1962 THE SWISS OBSERVER 50141 regions in order to come to reasonable terms. One cannot We believe that a trustful, fruitful and constructive always avoid losing one's living and it sometimes happens relationship can flourish between the authorities in Berne that a person did not gather the meaning of certain signs on the one hand and all the Swiss abroad and their insti- at the right moment. He who took precautionary measures tutions on the other hand. You may rest assured that the at the right time and adhered to the " Solidarity Fund " authorities have great understanding for the concerns of for Swiss abroad is most fortunate. the Swiss abroad. (Repwfiec? /row tfie " HmmLaraTc/je Sc/zwe/zerze/Pmp ".) However, all is not lost for our fellow-countrymen in underdeveloped countries. Because they are subjects of neutral the Swiss in those countries a country, enjoy EXTRAITS DE: LES CRIEES FAITES EN CITE sympathy. Swiss who are sent as technical LA great experts DE GENEVE CENT assistants are welcome and have already accomplished a L'AN MIL CINQ SOIXANTE useful task. Swiss citizens who settled ago many years Les 4 Syndics le exécutif in underdeveloped countries, and have gained precious qui représentaient pouvoir en 1560 étaient: Michel Rosset, Jacques Blondel. Pierre experience there, accomplished similar jobs. Mégevand, Claude de la Maison Neuve (Jacques Blondel eu 17 enfants dont Philibert Blondel procureur général en These few comments show how diverse are the 1592, Syndic en 1602 accusé de haute trahison et roué problems the Swiss abroad have to face. When the Swiss vif en 1604). authorities help our fellow-countrymen abroad they must * * * not be too restrictive in their choice of means of inter- Edits faits et passés par nos Magnifiques et Très vention.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • SWISS REVIEW the Magazine for the Swiss Abroad February 2016
    SWISS REVIEW The magazine for the Swiss Abroad February 2016 80 years of Dimitri – an interview with the irrepressible clown February referenda – focus on the second Gotthard tunnel Vaping without nicotine – the e-cigarette becomes a political issue In 2016, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad celebrates 100 years of service to the Fifth Switzerland. E-Voting, bank relations, consular representation; which combat is the most important to you? Join in the discussions on SwissCommunity.org! connects Swiss people across the world > You can also take part in the discussions at SwissCommunity.org > Register now for free and connect with the world SwissCommunity.org is a network set up by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) SwissCommunity-Partner: Contents Editorial 3 Dear readers 4 Mailbag I hope you have had a good start to the new year. 2016 is a year of anniversaries for us. We will celebrate 25 5 Books years of the Area for the Swiss Abroad in Brunnen this “Eins im Andern” by Monique Schwitter April, then 100 years of the OSA in the summer. Over the course of those 100 years, hundreds of thousands 6 Images of people have emigrated from Switzerland out of ne- Everyday inventions cessity or curiosity, or for professional, family or other reasons. The OSA is there for them as they live out their 8 Focus life stories. Its mission is to support Swiss people living abroad in a variety of Switzerland and the refugee crisis ways. It too is constantly changing. “Swiss Review” has had a new editor-in-chief since the beginning of No- 12 Politics vember.
    [Show full text]
  • Leo Schelbert CV
    LEO SCHELBERT Vita Born: March 16, 1929, Kaltbrunn, Switzerland Married to Virginia, born Branin Children: Kenneth, Erik, Kirsten, GionMatthias Addresses: Department of History (M/C198) 2523 Asbury Avenue University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Evanston, IL 60201 601 South Morgan Street (847) 328-3514 Chicago, IL 60607-7109 (312) 996-3141 / e-mail: [email protected] Education: Matura: Gymnasium Immensee, Switzerland, 1948 MA in History: Fordham University, New York City, 1960 Ph.D. Columbia University, New York City, 1966 Employment: 1955-1959: Pro-Gymnasium Rebstein, Switzerland 1963-1969: Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 1971-2003: University of Illinois at Chicago 1973: Associate Professor, 1979: Professor 1999: Professor Emeritus (part-time Teaching Appointment in UIC Honors College) 2003: Retired Visiting Appointments: 1970 Fall Semester: University of Zurich 1976 Spring Semester, University of Düsseldorf Grants 1969 Swiss National Foundation for Research, $ 12,000 1970 Holderbank Foundation Research Fellowship, $ 4,000 1976 Subsidy for Book, Fund for the Swiss Abroad, $ 10,000 1991 Subsidy for SAHS Publication Series, Fund for the Swiss Abroad, $10,000 1994 Subsidy for Thaden Festschrift, UIC Institute for the Humanities, $1000 1995 Subsidy for Gary K. Pranger, Philip Schaff, UIC Institute of the Humanities, $500 1996 Subsidy for Gary K. Pranger, Philip Schaff, Swiss Center Foundation, $ 3000 1997 Subsidy for Mennonites in Transition, Swiss Benevolent Society, Chicago, $5,000 1998 Subsidy for SAHS Review Index, vols. 1-33, Swiss Center
    [Show full text]
  • SWISS REVIEW the Magazine for the Swiss Abroad June 2016
    SWISS REVIEW The magazine for the Swiss Abroad June 2016 100 years of Dada in Zurich: the Cabaret Voltaire mavericks Delayed withdrawal: what future for Swiss nuclear power? Humanitarian tradition under pressure: federal government cuts development aid In view of its centennial, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad asks about „Switzerland – part of the world” And you, what’s your vision of Switzerland as part of the world in 2016? Join the conversations and explore the centennial festivities on SwissCommunity.org! connects Swiss people across the world > You can also take part in the discussions at SwissCommunity.org > Register now for free and connect with the world SwissCommunity.org is a network set up by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) SwissCommunity-Partner: Contents Editorial 3 Withdrawal in stages 5 Mailbag 6 Focus Withdrawal from nuclear energy – an unresolved issue The situation is delicate. In the wake of Fukushima 10 Politics five years ago, Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard Major cutbacks to development aid announced Switzerland’s withdrawal from nuclear energy, and the whole world reported on this coura­ 12 Society geous step. Is Switzerland a pioneer in the field of IS fighters from Switzerland alternative energy? The strategy for 2050, which Par­ liament will decide upon in the summer, certainly 14 Culture aims to achieve this objective. The Dadaists of 1916 However, the situation has changed in the meantime. The Fukushima ef­ An interview with Adrian Notz fect has long since fizzled out, including in Switzerland. While the halt on constructing new nuclear power stations in Switzerland is effectively final­ News from around the world ised, existing ones are not being decommissioned provided they are “safe”.
    [Show full text]
  • Regional News United States
    REGIONAL NEWS UNITED STATES Dear Readers, August together in person. At this writing, in many parts of this country we're geing back to the The next Swiss Review USA will be published online on October 4, 2021. life before Covid. We will forever remember though the toll this pandemic The deadline for submission of articles for the USA insert is August 25. took everywhere. Hopefully, many of you will be able to celebrate the 1st of I wish you a fun-filled Summer. DORIS BERNATH CUNNINGHAM, EDITOR Max Haechler: A Senior Statesman in the Service of the Swiss Residing in the U.S. Submied by David W. Moerker, Member of the Executive Board & of the where he may be located. somewhere between Paradise Valley, AZ, Finance/Risk/Audit Commiee, Organization of the Swiss Abroad & and Bönigen on beautiful Lake Brienz. Member of the Council of the Swiss Abroad Wishing him and his trusted wife and friend, Elsbeth, continued In 2009, Max Haechler health and success in all their endeavors. reached out to fill vacant seats May we raise a toast to Max and Elsbeth! on the Council of the Swiss David Moerker Abroad. This led to us meeting in person a few months later in From Suzanne Violet, former Executive Board Member & former US Lucerne. I was immediately Delegate of the Organization of the Swiss Abroad, from Cocoa Beach, FL struck by his statesmanship, I remember the time Max and I worked together in The Counsel seing the bar high for us new for the Swiss Living Abroad or Auslandschweizerrat going back to 1993.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Diaspora Strategies Toolkit
    Diaspora Toolkit Folder_Diaspora Toolkit Folder 14/04/2011 18:01 Page 2 Additional Tools Global Diaspora Strategies Toolkit G l o Kingsley Aikins Sponsored by Diaspora Diaspora ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————— b matters Nicola White matters a l D the global Irish i making a difference a together s p o r a S t Global Diaspora r a t e g Strategies Toolkit i e s T o o Harnessing l k the power i t of global Valuable support was received from N K diasporas i i n c g ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————— o l s a l e W Mike and Lou Ann Corboy, Dallas Ken Gorman, New York y h A i i t k Joseph Corcoran, Boston Michael and Pepper Jackson, San Francisco e i n Kevin M. Curley, Dallas Deirdre and Thomas Lynch, Dublin s Patty Disney, Los Angeles Charles P. Reagan, Connecticut Stan Gold, Los Angeles John and Helen Sharkey, New York ‘Around the world, even as we pursue a Luanne Tierney, Dallas new era of engagement with other nations, D m we’re embracing a broader engagement – a i a t new partnerships between societies and t s e p citizens, community organizations, r o s business, faith based groups.’ Diaspora Diaspora Matters, Gateway House, E info.diasporamatters.com r a matters 133 Capel Street, Dublin 1, Ireland W www.diasporamatters.com President Barack Obama Project1 29/04/2011 12:43 Page 1 Diaspora matters ‘Around the world, even as we pursue a new era of engagement with other nations, we’re embracing a broader engagement – new partnerships between societies and citizens, community organizations, business, faith based groups.’ President Barack Obama Diaspora Toolkit Dividers_Philanthropy Toolkit Dividers 29/04/2011 11:42 Page 1 Diaspora matters Global Diaspora Strategies Toolkit Diaspora Toolkit Dividers_Philanthropy Toolkit Dividers 29/04/2011 11:42 Page 2 Contents Foreword i Introduction iii Acknowledgements vii The Authors xi First published 2011 Design by Identikit Design Consultants, Dublin Printed by Impress Printing Works, Dublin Diaspora Matters Gateway House, 133 Capel Street, All rights reserved.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter of the Swiss Embassy in Mexico
    Newsletter of the Swiss Embassy in Mexico July 2019 Ambassador’s Welcoming Words Dear Swiss Compatriots, Índice Dear Friends of Switzerland, 1-2 Ambassador’s Welcoming Words It is a pleasure and an honor to address this message to you, our compatriots and friends living in Belize, in this new annual edition of 3 Presentation of Credentials the Swiss Embassy’s Newsletter. 4-5 Presentation of As you know it is the first time, since I took my new function of Swiss Montreux Document Ambassador to Mexico and Belize in September last year that I can communicate with you through this way. 6 Small Scale Projects Nevertheless, I had the chance to travel to Belize shortly after I took 7 Message Honorary my office in Mexico and to meet some of you during a wonderful and Consul very friendly encounter at the Aguada Hotel, in Santa Elena on 8-9 Meet the Embassy September 18th, 2018. Staff 10-12 Useful Links 13 Contact and Imprint Friendly gathering with the Swiss community of Belize, September 18, 2018. This first trip to Belize City and Belmopan was a very intensive one with the main goal to present my Credentials as the new Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the Governor General Sir Colville N. Young, to meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Honorable 1 Wilfred Elrington and the Chief Executive Officer of the MFA, H.E. Ambassador Patrick Andrews, as well as other officials, diplomats accredited in Belize and representatives of the civil society. (See more details below). One important part of our bilateral relations with Belize are the Small Scale Projects with local Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs) supported by the Embassy in the field of protection and promotion of Human Rights and local development.
    [Show full text]
  • Swiss Colonies in All Parts of the World
    Swiss colonies in all parts of the world Autor(en): [s.n.] Objekttyp: Article Zeitschrift: The Swiss observer : the journal of the Federation of Swiss Societies in the UK Band (Jahr): - (1964) Heft 1461 PDF erstellt am: 26.09.2021 Persistenter Link: http://doi.org/10.5169/seals-695519 Nutzungsbedingungen Die ETH-Bibliothek ist Anbieterin der digitalisierten Zeitschriften. Sie besitzt keine Urheberrechte an den Inhalten der Zeitschriften. Die Rechte liegen in der Regel bei den Herausgebern. Die auf der Plattform e-periodica veröffentlichten Dokumente stehen für nicht-kommerzielle Zwecke in Lehre und Forschung sowie für die private Nutzung frei zur Verfügung. Einzelne Dateien oder Ausdrucke aus diesem Angebot können zusammen mit diesen Nutzungsbedingungen und den korrekten Herkunftsbezeichnungen weitergegeben werden. Das Veröffentlichen von Bildern in Print- und Online-Publikationen ist nur mit vorheriger Genehmigung der Rechteinhaber erlaubt. Die systematische Speicherung von Teilen des elektronischen Angebots auf anderen Servern bedarf ebenfalls des schriftlichen Einverständnisses der Rechteinhaber. Haftungsausschluss Alle Angaben erfolgen ohne Gewähr für Vollständigkeit oder Richtigkeit. Es wird keine Haftung übernommen für Schäden durch die Verwendung von Informationen aus diesem Online-Angebot oder durch das Fehlen von Informationen. Dies gilt auch für Inhalte Dritter, die über dieses Angebot zugänglich sind. Ein Dienst der ETH-Bibliothek ETH Zürich, Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zürich, Schweiz, www.library.ethz.ch http://www.e-periodica.ch Cbc Swiss Obserixr Founded in 1919 by Paul F. Boehringer. The Official Organ of the Swiss Colony in Great Britain /idvfrory Counc/7 : r. j. keller (Chairman). Gottfried keller (Vice-Chairman), dr. e. m. bircher, o. f. boehringer, j. eusebio, a.
    [Show full text]
  • SWISS REVIEW the Magazine for the Swiss Abroad April 2020
    SWISS REVIEW The magazine for the Swiss Abroad April 2020 The return of the wolf – why not everyone is happy Whither e-voting? The Federal Councillor gives us his take Leysin – the Swiss mountain village where foreign nationals outnumber locals The publisher of “Swiss Review” is the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). The best way to experience Switzerland. Bernina at Lago Bianco Express Simply beautiful, simply comfortable: Enjoy easy-going travel to any place in Switzerland – by train, bus and boat. Thanks to the world’s densest traffic networkMySwitzerland.com/swisstravelsystem 200210 STS Add ASO EN-DE-FR-IT-ES.indd 2 11.02.20 14:22 Contents Editorial 3 How does the story with the wolf go? 4 Mailbag “My, what a big mouth you have, grandmother.” “All the better to eat you with!” The wolf dressed as the 6 Focus grandmother had scarcely finished speaking when he The wolf is back in Switzerland – jumped from the bed with a single leap and ate up and likely to stay poor Little Red Riding Hood. As soon as the wolf had satisfied his appetite, he climbed back into bed, fell 10 Politics asleep and began to snore very loudly. We all know SVP initiative puts Swiss-EU relations how Little Red Riding Hood met her gruesome end. to the test Never trust the big bad wolf was the message we all took to heart as young Simonetta Sommaruga, the garden- children. loving president of the Confederation Fairy tale will flirt with reality in May, when Switzerland decides whether or not the wolf is still big and bad.
    [Show full text]
  • Switzerland's Population
    01 Population 1155-1400 Switzerland’s population 2014 Neuchâtel 2015 Information: Federal Statistical Office (FSO) Demography and migration [email protected], tel. 058 463 67 11 Graphics/ Layout: Section DIAM, Prepress/ Print Cover graphics: FSO; Concept: Netthoevel & Gaberthüel, Biel; photo: © Bundeskanzlei – Béatrice Devènes, Dominic Büttner Orders: Order number: 1155-1400 tel. +41 (0)58 463 60 60, fax +41 (0)58 463 60 61 [email protected] Briefly… Population composition: At the end of 2014, the permanent re- sident population was 8,237,666. This represents an increase of 98,035 persons (+1.2% in 2014). Natural population change: The number of live births grew (+3.1%) to reach 85,287 in 2014. The same year fewer deaths (63,938 compared to 64,961 in 2013) were registered. Migration and Integration: The net migration declined by 10,883 compared to the previous year. In 2014, 32,836 foreign persons became Swiss citizens. Families and households: Switzerland counted 3.5 million house- holds in 2013. Of these 1,070,800 family households had at least one child under 25 years. Marital status, marriage and divorce: The number of mar- riages increased by +5.3% and the total of registered partnerships by +3.9%. Ageing: Currently 1,465,565 million persons aged 65 years or older live in Switzerland, representing 17.8% of the resident popu- lation. The life expectancy for men at the age of 65 is 19.4 and for women 22.4 years. Switzerland in an international comparison: Switzerland differs from its neighbouring countries with marked net migration and a higher life expectancy for men and women.
    [Show full text]
  • Adept at Stealing the Limelight Villa Patumbah
    THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD JJUNIUNE 2013 // NNO.R.3 3 Parliament’s younger members – adept at stealing the limelight Villa Patumbah – the legacy of a rich Swiss abroad ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD “The SwissCommunity platform networks Swiss people worldwide via the web.” Jean-François de Buren Graphic designer and mar keting strategy consultant Swiss in the United States “The beauty of Swiss- Community is the ability to easily share subjects you are passionate about.” Florian Baccaunaud Student Swiss in France “SwissCommunity? Chantal Kury It’s a new way of linking Licensed nursery-school Switzerland and the teacher Swiss abroad: it’s the way Swiss in Egypt forward.” “SwissCommunty is my gateway to my home country and to the world. The platform also offers a comprehensive service for the Swiss abroad.” Network with other Swiss abroad Keep up to date on relevant news and events Find an apartment – or the best fondue in town Discover Switzerland Sign up for free membership www.swisscommunity.org SwissCommunity partners EDITORIAL CONTENTS Swiss allies drift away ne issue is currently high on the agenda for many states, notably 5 Switzerland’s neighbours – the collection of taxes on assets which their citizens Mailbag Ohave concealed from the fiscal authorities using various schemes and often with 5 the assistance of financial institutions. The pursuit of those evading taxation and see- Books: Visions of and for Switzerland king optimized tax solutions is understandable in light of the debt situation facing many countries. Switzerland “the tax haven” finds itself directly in the firing line of many 6 disgruntled governments.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of the Swiss in California
    Swiss American Historical Society Review Volume 56 Number 1 Article 8 2020 A History Of The Swiss In California Richard Hacken Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review Part of the European History Commons, and the European Languages and Societies Commons Recommended Citation Hacken, Richard (2020) "A History Of The Swiss In California," Swiss American Historical Society Review: Vol. 56 : No. 1 , Article 8. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review/vol56/iss1/8 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Swiss American Historical Society Review by an authorized editor of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Hacken: A History Of The Swiss In California A History of the Swiss in California by Richard Hacken1 In 1848, the same year that Switzerland’s political structure took on its present constitutional form as a modern nation-state, a Swiss settler-entrepreneur named John Sutter became aware of gold deposits at his mill in Alta California. This led directly to the California Gold Rush. Two years later, in 1850, the United States accepted the fresh- ly acquired and promising region now known as “California” into the Union as a state. Swiss immigrants enhanced the development of Cali- fornia from its very inception. Sutter, the charismatic chameleon-adventurer,2 had marketed himself at times to prospective clients and business partners as “Captain John Sutter of the Swiss Guards.”3 His contribution to the development of California, which was transitioning from being part of a sparsely populated Mexican province to a booming American state, was signifi- cant.
    [Show full text]
  • SWISS REVIEW the Magazine for the Swiss Abroad March 2017
    SWISS REVIEW The magazine for the Swiss Abroad March 2017 Boom in professional drones – Swiss technology at the cutting edge “Mass immigration” – implementation proves a real headache An immediate hit – profile of comedy star Hazel Brugger In 2017, the Swiss abroad will elect their Council members. Who would you like to see as a representative on the Council of the Swiss Abroad? And who are the candidates in your country? Information for voters, candidates and Swiss societies is included on www.aso.ch. Join the discussion on our network SwissCommunity.org. SwissCommunity.org is a network set up by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) SwissCommunity-Partner: Contents Editorial 3 Mass immigration – 5 Mailbag a muddled situation 6 Focus Immigration, a complex issue 10 Politics The issue of immigration should have been resolved Referendum results from 12 February some time ago. A resolution on the implementation of The bill on the 2050 energy strategy the mass immigration initiative was passed by Parlia- ment last December, well over two years after the in- 14 Society itiative was approved by the Swiss people. Yet, oppo- Recognition for Yeniche and Sinti people sition stirred on the benches of the National Council. Immediately after the final vote the Swiss People’s 16 Economy Party (SVP) parliamentary group accused Parliament The new Swissness Act and its ramifications of violating the constitution – and not unjustly as little remained of the orig- inal content of its initiative. The will expressed by the Swiss people to con- News from around the world trol immigration through quotas and maximum numbers had been side- stepped.
    [Show full text]