IMPORTANT VOTING INSTRUCTIONS RE
                       SWISS HELVETIA FUND ANNUAL MEETING
                              TUESDAY, MAY 15 2001

                    THERE IS VERY LITTLE TIME FOR YOU TO ACT
                           IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING!

IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT THE BANKGESELLSCHAFT NOMINEES AND AGENDA, PLEASE DO THE
FOLLOWING:

o     Sign, date and return the BLUE Bankgesellschaft proxy in the reply
      envelope provided.

o     Also contact the person responsible for your account, and instruct them to
      execute a BLUE Bankgesellschaft proxy on your behalf.

o     If you plan on attending the meeting and voting in person, be sure you
      first obtain a "legal proxy" from the brokerage firm or bank at which your
      shares are held. This may be necessary in order for you to vote at the
      meeting.

o     If you have any questions or require assistance in ensuring your shares
      are properly voted in advance of the meeting, call Mellon Investor
      Services, which is assisting us in this solicitation, toll-free at
      1-800-414-2879.

                       YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION IS REQUESTED!