File No. 600.119/230
The Minister in Norway ( Schmedeman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9.15 p.m.]
219. Department’s circular telegram of June 20.2 I have had several consultations with Allied Ministers here and it is our joint opinion, for political reasons and in view of the fact that Norway has rendered special services to the Allies, that a distinction should be made by the United States Government in the treatment to be accorded the three Scandinavian countries in regard to exports from the United States. I therefore take the liberty of suggesting to the Department that when considering the question of regulation of exports Norway should, if possible, be subjected to less restrictions than Sweden or Denmark, the two latter countries having rendered no special services to the Allies. I am forwarding by mail strictly confidential statistics tending to show that Norway’s trade with the enemy has already been limited as much as was possible prior to entry of the United States into the war. It is apprehended that too [Page 1029] great severity on the part of the Government of the United States toward Norway may react to the disadvantage of the Allies without improving our position as far as the other two Scandinavian countries are concerned.