740.00112 Wood Pulp/19: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Kennedy )

1042. 1. We are informed by the Swedish Minister62 here that in connection with an attempt to reestablish direct shipping connections between Sweden and the United States, the Swedish Legations in [Page 64] London and Berlin have been instructed to make representations to the British and German authorities, respectively, with a view to facilitating the passage of Swedish vessels engaged in the Swedish-American trade. The representations in Berlin will refer only to the outward voyage of four vessels now loading wood pulp for the United States, while in London the question of the vessels’ return voyage to Sweden, laden with American goods, will also be raised.

2. In view of the importance which we attach to a resumption as far as possible of our normal trade with Sweden, and especially because of our urgent need of Scandinavian wood pulp, you are authorized in general to associate yourself with the representations of your Swedish colleague. Pending the receipt of further instructions, however, you should refrain from making representations regarding outward bound United States cargoes and limit yourself at this time to expressing the earnest hope of this Government that Swedish cargoes destined to the United States will not be seized or molested. In this connection reference is made to the Department’s 1310, October 27, 10 p.m.63 and to your 2202, October 28, 4 p.m.64

Hull
  1. W. Boström.
  2. Not printed.
  3. Quoted in telegram No. 122, October 30, 1939, 3 p.m., to the Consul General at Hamburg, Foreign Relations, 1939, vol. i, p. 832.