File No. 658.119/357
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9.16 p.m.]
10003. War Trade Board [from Sheldon]:
No. 560. Wallenberg told me this morning that he thought the Swedish agreement could be concluded next week. Referring to your 409, Department’s 7574 [7564], May 3. If the British, French, and Italian Governments approve of the terms of the Swedish agreement and are willing to sign it, it is suggested that you authorize me to sign as representative of the War Trade Board a memorandum to the Royal Swedish Government on the following lines:
Referring to the agreement signed this day between the British, French, and Italian Governments on the one hand and the Royal Swedish Government on the other hand, the United States War Trade Board, an administrative agency empowered by Executive order of the President to license exports from the United States, whose powers are administrative and pertain wholly to the United States domestic and internal affairs, agrees to grant licenses during the currency of the above-mentioned agreement for the articles enumerated in the ration list of this agreement in so far as the same (1) are not required for consumption in the United States and in so far as the exportation thereof will not so reduce available supplies as to prevent the rationing of the nations associated with the United States in the war and (2) will not directly or indirectly be exported to any country or ally with which the United States is at war so long as the terms and conditions of the above-mentioned agreement shall be observed by the Royal Swedish Government.
Please cable whether you approve or what modifications or suggestions you desire.