File No. 658.119/284
The Minister in Sweden ( Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 28, 4.08 a.m.]
1773. In an interview with the Foreign Minister when introducing Owen, representative of War Trade Board, the former stated he much feared if permanent agreement were signed in its present form, Swedish vessels would be sunk or seized without consideration in Skagerrack and Kattegat. He has reports of unusual activity in those waters of enemy torpedo craft which he believes is demonstration against modus vivendi. He has reliable advices that Germany has two years’ supply of Swedish low phosphorus ores, but on the question of prestige, Germany will not accept the restricted shipments as proposed in agreement. He stated he had been repeatedly advised by German Minister to Sweden that the entire question would be amicably settled through diplomatic channels, but that [Page 1214] pressure from German military and naval authorities constantly obstructed such plans. Swedish delegates are now in Germany endeavoring to arrange matters. He asked that correspondence be regarded as strictly confidential.