File No. 658.119/227
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden ( Morris )
581. [From War Trade Board:]
Your 1583, February 27, 5 p.m. We agree to Swedish interpretation of V(b), provided it is not intended to include the furnishing of fuel or supplies to submarines or war vessels. We agree to Swedish interpretation of clauses (e), (f) and (l). We agree to Swedish interpretation of clause (k), provided pro-enemy act of master, officers, or crew be deemed by Sweden acceptable reason for request. We agree that clauses (m) and (n) complied with if voyage approved beforehand by War Trade Board or Inter-Allied Chartering Executive. We agree clause (o) not to apply to Swedish boats sold to Swedish concerns but deem it necessary that it should apply to Swedish boats proposed to be sold to American concerns in order to provide against such American concerns having enemy affiliations, and we of course think (o) should stand as against any sale of Swedish ships to the enemy. We agree that clause (p) be deleted. We agree that reports under clause (s) may be handed to representative of War Trade Board or Inter-Allied Chartering Executive or American consul in Scandinavia. In such cases owners should state that reports are to be forwarded to Bureau of Transportation, War Trade Board, Washington. The above exceptions are to apply until May 1, 1918, and to new agreement when made.