File No. 658.119/145
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10.28 p.m.]
8085. My telegram 8014, December 20, 9 a.m.1 British are prepared to grant article 1 Swedish modus vivendi and release of the 22,000 bags of coffee mentioned in article 6. But [And?] they will approve the request for permission to import an additional 50,000 bags. Articles 7 and 8 are under consideration. Present difficulties which could only be surmounted by proper safeguards especially in regard to the leather which might be used by the Swedes for manufacture of boots for Germany or release equivalent quantity, and the cork bricks which would be used for storing meat which might subsequently be released to the enemy.
It is desirable that the other requirements in the Swedish modus vivendi be met. Nothing prevents fullest extent possible in order that a tonnage modus vivendi may be put promptly into operation. The negotiations are in abeyance pending our decisions.