File No. 600.119/42
The Minister in Denmark ( Egan) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 17, 6 a.m.]
586. The publication in Danish papers of the last few days that a Senate resolution is about to be voted upon restricting or prohibiting the exportation of wheat and other cereals to countries contiguous to Germany has caused great alarm.
This resolution if passed will cause in Denmark, and I believe in the other Scandinavian countries, a feeling against the United States that will react unfavorably after the war.
The control of all foodstuffs by Great Britain is now most effective. The British policy in regard to exports necessary for the farmers has been alternately too drastic or not drastic enough. The old quarrel between the British Foreign Office and the Admiralty led to confusion and often to injury. Even now when the Danish committees are acting in accordance with British control it looks as if Denmark would be thrown commercially into the arms of Germany after the war. It is important that the small neutrals should not be turned against us commercially. This control by the British has engendered among the merchants and others much bitter feeling in these northern countries. The prohibition by us of wheat, etc., would put on us the onus of explanation that is now borne by the British. Besides we are holding a certain amount of money as against, I understand, the purchase of agricultural necessities.
It is felt here that the trade of the United States should be kept open with Denmark. It might be arranged that American bottoms should not be used to carry foodstuffs and other supplies intended for Denmark.
I respectfully urge that the most careful consideration be given to this matter and that the question of embargo be settled without delay.