658.6231/110: Telegram

The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

1512. Department’s 1112, April 30, 7 p.m.58 An official of the Swedish Legation informed the Embassy on May 24 that negotiations would start in Berlin on May 27 for a new Swedish-German commercial agreement, that Germany has refused to permit Swedish ships to leave the Baltic and Scandinavian ports since April 9, alleging that the ships would be seized by the British and French and consequently Swedish wood pulp exports to the United States have ceased, and that the question of the release of Swedish wood pulp carriers and the resumption of this trade with the United States would probably arise during the negotiations. He added that he had been notified by his Foreign Office, that the American Minister at Stockholm has informed the Swedish Government that if it approached the German, French and British Governments with a view to having the wood pulp trade resumed, the Department might feel justified in making representations towards that end on the basis of the detrimental effect of the present situation upon American commerce. The official said that it is the understanding of his Foreign Office that Germany would not oppose a request for permission for Swedish ships to leave for the United States with wood pulp cargoes and he inquired whether the Embassy is authorized to make representations in the premises. The Department’s instructions are respectfully requested.

Kirk
  1. Not printed.