File No. 861.00/3286
The Minister in Norway ( Schmedeman) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27, 1.15 a.m.
1382. British Chargé d’Affaires yesterday handed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs a mémoire to the effect that the British Government feels that it is not only in the interest of Norway and other countries primarily concerned but in the general interests of the world that steps be taken to prevent the spread of Bolshevik propaganda outside of Russia. British Government considers that the Norwegian and other Scandinavian Governments would be welcome [well advised] to take steps to prevent Scandinavian banks from facilitating transactions in rubles.
French and Italian Ministers have been authorized to make a similar communication to the Norwegian Government. Italian Minister has also been instructed, provided his associated colleagues are [Page 729] similarly instructed, to inform the Norwegian Government that food supplies to Norway will be cut off if drastic measures are not taken against Bolsheviks.
Official opinion here regarding Bolsheviks fluctuates from day to day but the Government is watching the situation closely and is prepared for energetic measures should they become necessary. Weekly meetings are held in Christiania by the extremist elements at which very radical if not revolutionary speeches are made but it is felt that the practical growth of Bolshevism here will be directly determined by developments in Germany.