File No. 659.119/245
The Chargé in Denmark ( Grant-Smith) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 23, 6.35 a.m.]
2072. Referring to your instructions 579 [759], March 1, 6 p.m. As to exporting raw materials to Denmark, the commodities in the amounts herein suggested would not in the opinion of the Legation materially or directly assist Germany and would, if imported on proper guarantees, be used, practically speaking, solely for domestic consumption and further would relieve Danish unemployment to an appreciable degree, and would tend to prevent further unemployment.
It is stated that unless raw materials come, a large portion of the 50,000 textile and associated workers will shortly become idle. There are always rumors of emigration of skilled workers to Germany which will probably not occur to any considerable extent so long as there is prospect of resumption of Danish industry. Suffering from unemployment is relieved by governmental measures varying with each locality. In Copenhagen the unemployed can receive aid, totaling in value about $8 per week for each married couple and $12 or more where there are children. Estimated about 45,000 unemployed workers in regular trades in Denmark at the present time. If Danish workers go to Germany, they can have food sent them from Denmark, can have their pay sent in Danish kroner to their dependents at home, and are accepted as members of German unions.
If anything is to be sent to Denmark pending the negotiations, it is suggested that it should be manufactured articles, particularly luxury articles and goods competing with imports from Germany, lists of which can be quickly supplied.
No consideration has been given in preparing the following list to the question whether these commodities or tonnage to carry them can be spared. The amounts suggested are low and not calculated to permit a resumption of normal production although considerably reducing unemployment.
[Page 1326]The following articles would be of great benefit in maintaining Danish industries:
- (1)
- Lubricating mineral oil, not including super-heated steam cylinder oil, 1,000 barrels per month.
- (2)
- Fuel oil for Diesel engines, 400 tons per month. This is primarily for public utilities.
- (3)
- In view of the shipment of kerosene on steamship Texas, no more is recommended for the present.
- (4)
- Gasoline, 300 tons per month.
- (5)
- Raw cotton and cotton waste, 150 tons per month.
- (6)
- Cotton yarn and thread, 150 tons per month.
- (7)
- Wool yarns, 100 tons per month.
- (8)
- Wool waste and shoddy, 30 tons per month.
- (9)
- Tanning materials sufficient to tan Danish hides as per hide agreement recommended by telegram No. 1977, February 21, 2 p.m.1
- (10)
- Paraffin wax, 30 tons per month.
- (11)
- Copper and alloys, and copper manufactures, 100 tons per month.
- (12)
- Rubber, on understanding that none be used for motor tires, 20 tons per month.
- (13)
- Zinc, 40 tons per month.
- (14)
- Lead, 40 tons per month.
- (15)
- Pig iron, 300 tons per month.
- (16)
- Certain raw materials for firms working for Allies whose requirements will be notified as they come forward.
- Not printed.↩