File No. 763.72112/1528

The Chargé in Sweden ( Caffery ) to the Secretary of State

No. 347]

Sir: With reference to my telegram No. 511 of to-day, regarding the temporary adjournment of the Swedish and English commercial commissions, I have the honor to report that the British Minister informs me that he does not regard the situation as being very hopeful.

The British commissioners are endeavoring to cause an arrangement to be made by which supplies could pass through Sweden in transit to Russia, and are endeavoring to prevent the importation of any articles into Sweden which might be reexported to Germany; while the Swedish commissioners are endeavoring to secure goods for their own use, part of which the British authorities are afraid might pass on to Germany. The difference in the point of view of the two commissions makes an agreement almost impossible.

Mr. Howard, the British Minister, says that the British commission consider that what the Swedish commissioners really are trying to obtain, although without avowing it, is the right to export to Germany [Page 284] as much goods as they allow to pass to Russia. This is of course denied by the Swedish commissioners.

I have [etc.]

Jefferson Caffery
  1. Not printed.