868.48/2093: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:41 p.m.]
891. My 890, April 19, noon. Despite intimation in Italian reply reported in my 840, April 15, 4 p.m. reply has not yet been received from the Germans. Boheman told Mallet and me that Foreign Office has been pressing daily for German reply both at Berlin and through German Legation Stockholm.
In his opinion hitch is more than it appears to be and hinges around condition number 2 in Italian reply. It is obvious that Italians and probably Germans object to control committee being in hands of Swedish Red Cross and that counter-proposal made by Italians for control by International Red Cross with Swedish representation is motivated by considerations of prestige. He said that his Government now proposes to go immediately to International Red Cross informing them that two proposals have been advanced—(1) proposal by American and British Governments for a Swedish committee and (2) counter-proposal from Italian Government for an International Red Cross Committee. Swedes will suggest to International Red Cross that International Red Cross and Swedish Government propose to both sides a compromise joint committee of International Red Cross and Swedish Red Cross which will elect its own chairman.
Boheman feels that Italian reply is satisfactory except for Italian condition number 2. He assumes that main consideration in mind of American and British Governments is that control commissions should be neutral but that we would not insist it be composed exclusively of Swedes. Both Mallet and I said that we personally believed there would be no difficulty on this point. Boheman pointed out that Italians have agreed without reservations to use of Swedish tonnage for carrying foodstuffs and felt that this would give satisfaction all around.
Please see my despatch number 291, March 7, 1942, enclosing copy of aide-mémoire handed by British Minister to Foreign Office on March 2, 1942.34 It will be noted from this aide-mémoire that suggestions made by Mr. Boheman for meeting Italian condition number 2 regarding control follow line original suggestions of British Government.
See immediately following telegram.
- Neither printed.↩