File No. 658.119/158

The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

8204. For your information and that of War Trade Board. Foreign Office has just asked for statement of American views respecting a proposed telegram to British Minister at Stockholm expressing surprise at Swedish delaying of negotiations and inquiring whether in the view of British Minister and his Allied colleagues, the object of the Swedes is to gain time in order to make some arrangement with Germany and possibly with Russia which would render unnecessary any negotiations with the Allies. British point out that Allied representatives have indicated willingness to come to agreement with Swedish delegates provided a settlement were reached on the questions of iron ore, shipping and finance. Though Swedish delegates promised to obtain views of their Government nearly three weeks ago, no progress has been made and Mr. Wallenberg, the head of the Swedish missions, has stated that he thinks there is at present no use in further discussions pending replies from Stockholm. If it meets with your approval I venture to suggest that some such message be sent to our Minister as well.

Cumulative evidence reveals Scandinavia permeated with the assuredness that peace is at hand. Germans are exerting influence and pressure to tie hands of Scandinavian negotiations and are lavishing [Page 1201] both threats and promises leveled at the wrecking of possible agreements with the Allies. Until we succeed in circumventing these designs, real progress will not be made. It is a question of first importance, therefore, to consider such means as we have at our disposal. Not the least of our weapons is the adroit use of publicity especially when coupled with effective propaganda. But as a first step, the timely publication of our offers might go far toward the enlightenment of Scandinavian public opinion. [If] the advantages and relief which we offer were known to the people, the Governments might find themselves, in the face of strong public pressure, no longer in a position to temporize freely.

In this connection it is well to bear in mind accommodations [advantage] to us of a little of the light of publicity on the recourse of [reasons for?] the measures to be taken. What would be the measure of additional discontent in Germany should it become public knowledge that their leaders were preparing further to curtail German civilian rations in order to feed the populations of adjacent neutral countries?

Some definite action is needed before the fruition of the present program of inter-Scandinavian exchange of products which, the French believe, may be so successful as to deliver Scandinavia from such relief of their present dependence upon the Allied permit. From a sure source it has been learned that the Swedes have sent a man to Berlin with our iron ore proposals and that they are awaiting instructions from the Germans before replying. From London, other sources, it is learned that all our proposals to the three Scandinavian countries are alike being submitted to German inspection and criticism and that there is a full and frank interchange of opinion between the Scandinavian Governments and their German advisers on blockade matters.

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