The Swiss Confederation expressly pointed out that a diplomat's salary – even if he is head of mission – will not be enough to cover his living costs.

This only changed with the adjustment of salaries and the introduction of an admissions competition, the so-called concours diplomatique, which was developed in 1955 under the leadership of Walter Stucki and finally introduced in 1956.

[2] "It is true that until relatively recently Swiss diplomacy was primarily the preserve of members of noble and wealthy families.

"It is interesting that in the period after the end of World War II until the 1980s, Switzerland was mostly represented in Paris by gentlemen who had no experience as ambassadors but who otherwise enjoyed a high reputation.

The presence of the French ambassador significantly increased the importance of Solothurn and unofficially made the city a center of the political, economic and social life of the Old Swiss Confederacy.

[11][12] An interesting aspect of Franco-Swiss diplomatic history is that until 1953 only the French head of mission was allowed to hold the title of ambassador to Switzerland.

The mutual appreciation was repeatedly expressed at the highest level, which also led to personal friendships: "Le grand Ambassadeur et l'ami de la France.

""The head of mission in Paris realises very early that in a capital of the Occident, which adds to the prestige of an unparalleled past the reality of an intense political and international life, it is not enough to be a diplomat.

In March 1957 he became ambassador, when the Swiss Legation was upgraded to an embassy[18][19] Agostino Soldati, who was extremely popular and well-connected in Parisian society, died in office on 11 December 1966.

This letter he signed with "Charles de Gaulle"[20] In order to fulfill his main task of maintaining diplomatic relations, an ambassador depends on having the appropriate framework conditions.