File No. 763.72111N83/55
The Chargé in Norway ( Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 13, 5.50 a.m.]
1007. My telegram No. 964, August 8. British Minister this afternoon received reply from the Minister for Foreign Affairs to former’s [representations] concerning closing of the outer channel off Skjaergaard by means of mines, in execution of Norwegian Government’s decree of January 30, 1917. I understand from British Minister that the reply is even more unsatisfactory than he had anticipated, being a rambling and evasive discussion of general principles of international law and containing explicit reservations of the right of the Norwegian Government to decide for itself what measures may be called for by the [situation]. It does, however, suggest that Norwegian patrols may be increased and greater vigilance exercised.
British Minister inquired of the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Norwegian patrols had orders to fire on submarines found in territorial waters under conditions violative of the Norwegian decree of January 30, 1917, but the Foreign Minister did not reply.
My telegram No. 964 contained an erroneous statement in so far as it suggested that the British Minister’s representations, August 7, were merely oral; he left with the Minister for Foreign Affairs a memorandum regarding the subject of the conversation.
French Minister has been instructed to support British Minister’s representations. No instructions have reached me yet. Respectfully request them.