mgimorusjirlRussian Journal of World Politics and Law of NationsRussian Journal of World Politics and Law of Nations2949-6322МГИМО МИД России10.24833/RJWPLN-2023-3-4-20mgimorusjirl-49Research ArticleInternational Law and International BodiesLost in Broadcasting: League of Nations, International Broadcasting and Swiss NeutralityKhodnevA. S.

Alexander S. Khodnev – Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of World History

108/1, ul. Respublikanskaya, Yaroslavl, Russian Federation, 150000

khodnev@yandex.ruYaroslavl State Pedagogical UniversityRussian Federation20232910202423420Copyright © Khodnev A.S., 20242024Khodnev A.S.Khodnev A.S.Данная работа распространяется под лицензией Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.https://polities.mgimo.ru/jour/article/view/49

This article delves into the historical context of cross-border radio broadcasting during the 1930s by the League of Nations and the significant impact of Switzerland’s neutrality as the host country on this international organization. Drawing from the recently digitized and accessible League of Nations archive in Geneva, this narrative unveils a minor conflict of interest that evolved into a notable political crisis, marking an international legal precedent by showcasing the influence wielded by a smaller host nation upon a global organization.

The architects of the League of Nations envisioned Geneva as an ideal hub for the organization’s activities, complete with modern communication technologies for global outreach. However, Switzerland’s neutral stance posed an obstacle to the establishment of the League’s radio broadcasting infrastructure. Recognizing the absence of robust emergency communications, transport links, as well as a dedicated radio station in Geneva during the mid-1920s, the League of Nations sought an agreement with the Radio Swiss station. Consequently, the League of Nations own radio station, Radio-Nations, commenced broadcasting on February 2, 1932, coinciding with the start of the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Arms.

By May 1938, amidst mounting tensions in Europe, Switzerland chose to assert complete neutrality within the League. Discussions within the Federal Council revolved around the possibility of suspending the agreement made on May 21, 1930, along with the support for Radio Nations. Unexpectedly, on November 3, 1938, the League of Nations’ leadership in Geneva expressed the desire to re-evaluate the 1930 convention. The outbreak of The First World War drastically reshaped the relationship between the League of Nations and Radio-Nations. Switzerland decided against entering into a new agreement with the League of Nations, leading to the closure of Radio-Nations on February 2, 1942.

Maintaining the nation’s neutrality, the Swiss government vigilantly observed the events unfolding during the War. During the peak of Nazi Germany’s advances, Bern adopted stringent measures against the League of Nations, upholding a resolute diplomatic stance. However, the Swiss stance towards the League of Nations and the division of ownership of Radio-Nations gradually shifted from 1943, culminating in the resolution of several financial matters. Ultimately, in 1947, the League of Nations’ liquidation commission transferred the remaining assets of Radio-Nations and its radio waves to the United Nations.

English translation from the Russian text: Khodnev A. S. Lost in Broadcasting: Liga Natsiy, mezhdunarodnoe radiovesh-chanie i shveytsarskiy neytralitet. Vestnik MGIMO-Universiteta [MGIMO Review of International Relations]. 16(5). P. 7–27. https://doi.org/10.24833/2071-8160-2023-5-92-7-27

 

 

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present.