File No. 658.119/56
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 7, 10.40 a.m.]
1835. Have received note from Russian Government stating that according to information received from Stockholm and Christiania, our Government intends to formally request Scandinavian countries to cease all commercial intercourse with the Central Empires, threatening as official [reprisal?] a complete cessation of commerce with the Entente countries. Russian Government, while recognizing considerations which induce such a step, points out that it would be [Page 962] a very grave matter for Russia if commercial intercourse with Sweden were cut off and requests that before any formal action be taken an Allied conference be held to consider the matter.
Similar note sent to British Embassy which has telegraphed London suggesting no decisive action be taken until head of commercial department of Russian Foreign Office, who is en route, reaches London.
If plan is as reported to Russian Government I suggest that Russian proposal be agreed to as consequences would be disastrous for Russia under present conditions if Sweden took sides against us.