File No. 763.72112/1348
The Chargé in Sweden (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 18, 9.15 a. m.]
47. Foreign Office states necessary to obtain export license in each case. However, that attitude of Swedish Government depends on attitude of British Government since British Government is not permitting Sweden to secure supplies of cotton needed here, and policy has been one of bargaining, Swedish Government permitting export certain quantity Russia, British Government permitting import of similar quantity Sweden; that policy similar for other articles needed here, but that situation likely to be ameliorated as result British commission now sitting here. Foreign Office assures me Swedish Government entirely sympathetic but must adopt measures to attempt to obtain from America articles needed here; however, that on account of attitude of British Government transit trade for Germany not possible.
[For statement by surveyor of customs at Kirkwall that all other shipments cotton “cannot be allowed proceed until July 17, and then only if consigned to Swedish Cotton Spinners Association, for which arrangements must be made through Purchasing Department, Board of Trade,” which, the Consul General says, “outlines arrangements for limited export cotton to Sweden,” see telegram from the Consul General in London, July 19, 1915, below, page 478.]