File No. 657.119/221

The Minister in Norway ( Schmedeman ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

445. Irresponsible rumors are widely current here to the effect that the United States Government is making a deliberate effort to force Norway into the war. The Norwegian Government is apparently [Page 1108] taking no steps to counteract the effect of these rumors, which are largely due to secrecy and obscurity with which Norwegian Government surrounds the present negotiations with the United States concerning imports. No information whatsoever has been vouchsafed the public as to the real nature of American demands, with the result that damaging speculation is rife as to their character. Part of the press is attempting to allay excitement by general statements that our demands involve no danger to Norway, but the creation of sound opinion is handicapped by lack of accurate information.

Under the circumstances, I submit for the Department’s consideration whether it would not be desirable to publish a communiqué at Washington or elsewhere explaining in some detail the nature of our demands, with particular emphasis on the fact that they are based on the principle of compensation. London informed.

Schmedeman