File No. 658.119/582
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Sweden ( Whitehouse)1
1077. Legation’s 2694, August 22, 10 p.m., Legation’s 2695, August 22, 11 p.m., Legation’s 2696, August 23, 5 p.m., and Legation’s 2714, August 26, 5 p.m.2 The subject of Swedish violation of agreement not to export to Germany has received most serious consideration of Department and War Trade Board, with whom Morris has conferred. Department approves delivery of note set out in Legation’s 2695. The questions raised are such and possible consequences are so serious that it is not felt that any definite action should be taken prior to the Swedish Government furnishing full information as to its previous exports, and existing commitments to export, to Germany.
You will, therefore, address a note to the Minister of Foreign Affairs or to the Prime Minister stating in substance that the facts which have been developed relative to Swedish exports to Germany in contravention of the terms of the agreement of May 29 last are regarded by the Government of the United States in a most serious light; the Government of the United States reserves, however, final decision as to the attitude which it will adopt pending the receipt of [Page 1287] full information bearing on such exports. You will request, to enable the Government of the United States to reach such a decision, that you be furnished as promptly as may be with (1) a statement of all exports made to Germany since the conclusion of the above-mentioned agreement, (2) a statement of all outstanding commitments as to exports to Germany, and (3) the text of any agreements with Germany relating to exports from Sweden. You will add that if, pending the receipt of this information and the reaching of a decision to be based thereon, the Government of the United States permits exports to Sweden under the agreement this shall not be construed as a condonement of any breach of the agreement which may have been committed by the Government of Sweden, or a waiver by the Government of the United States of any rights which may have arisen in favor of the United States as a result of such breaches.
It is considered desirable that the note to be delivered in accordance with the foregoing instructions be a collective note joined in by the Ministers of the four Associated Governments, and before delivering the same independently you will ascertain whether they are in a position to join in such a note. It is not desired, however, that delivery of the note be unduly delayed.
The War Trade Board is acquainting Sheldon with the foregoing instructions to you and is also communicating with Nordvall in the same sense in reply to a communication received from Nordvall on this subject.