File No. 657.119/450a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page)
7302. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]:
No. 343. Will you please obtain through Allied Blockade Committee or otherwise, as you see fit, the views of Great Britain, France and Italy on extending to Norway and Denmark relaxation of embargo to the extent that this now obtains in the case of Holland and Sweden. We are disposed to recommend this as an advantage to the trade of the Associated Governments in these countries, which will benefit exchange and prevent enemy absorption of markets. We do not feel that to take this step would weaken our position in commercial negotiations with Norway and Denmark. In the case of Norway the agreement is so near ratification that a slight relaxation of embargo would not in our opinion effect the ultimate conclusion in any way. In the case of Denmark we regard it as doubtful whether any general agreement will be concluded, but that we may adopt the policy of limited and temporary exchanges of commodities. A slight relaxation of embargo against Denmark could therefore appropriately be adopted.