File No. 763.72/4666
The Minister in Norway ( Schmedeman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6.45 p.m.]
174. Upon his return from Stockholm where he attended the meeting of the Scandinavian Prime and Foreign Ministers held May 9 to 11 the Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me that it was unanimously agreed that the three countries would continue their policy of impartial neutrality and that the question of mediation would not be considered except at the explicit request of the belligerents. He stated that it was agreed that the Scandinavian countries must cooperate to the fullest extent possible with other neutral states in order to protect their joint interests during and after the war. It was also decided that the three countries must continue as before to help each other as much as possible by economic cooperation and that every effort should be made to exchange domestic products. His Excellency added that particular emphasis was given to the fact that no imported goods would be exchanged or sent out of the countries and that in this connection the hope was expressed that the United States would not impose too many restrictions. It was decided further that a meeting of technical representatives would be advisable to discuss measures to be taken for overcoming the danger of mines both now and after the war. The question of submarine warfare was discussed but no further action would be taken beyond the joint protest which was made in February last.