File No. 658.119/313
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1.18 p.m.]
9447. War Trade Board from Sheldon]:
No. 408. With a view of obtaining [obviating] delay in the arrival of grain in Sweden, should a definite agreement be concluded, the Swedes propose to send from fifty to one hundred thousand tons [Page 1219] of shipping to Buenos Aires as soon as possible to load wheat, and they are asking for guarantees covering these boats in consultation with the Foreign Office. It is suggested that this be approved on the following conditions:
Swedish vessels shall proceed to a United States port in ballast and load coal to approved firms in the Plate, this coal being put on board with as little delay as possible. They shall, after discharging in the Plate, load wheat for Sweden and call at Halifax, but if an agreement is not reached they shall come to a United States port and if, by a fixed date, say 15th July, an agreement is not reached, the cargoes shall be sold to the United States at cost price plus freight. The vessels to be then allowed to return empty to Sweden. All facilities to be given for this purpose.
Please cable whether you approve, or make suggestions as early as possible. It is understood of course that the wheat should be purchased through the Wheat Executive.