File No. 659.119/264
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Denmark ( Grant-Smith)
850. From War Trade Board:
Your No. 2211, April 29, 3 p.m. We are not entirely clear as to what you recommend should be done in view of Germany’s attitude which you report. We shall be glad to have full opinion from you as to advisability of attempting to conclude a general commercial agreement with Denmark at this time. You will bear in mind that there is already chartered to the United States and Great Britain a larger amount of tonnage than we could probably stipulate for in any general agreement, and we feel that the mere fact of attempting to secure tonnage by a formal agreement would stimulate greater opposition on Germany’s part and that it would thus be more difficult to secure by agreement a smaller amount of tonnage than is now being chartered to us under informal arrangements. Please also indicate what basis there may be for a conclusion that increased good will toward us on the part of the Danish people would operate to prevent Germany carrying out any intentions which she may have formed in regard to Danish ships. Repeat to Owen.