740.00112 European War 1939/7474: Telegram
The Chargé in Sweden (Greene) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:45 a.m.]
3622. At conference late last night with British Minister, Spörborg, and Villiers, text of aide-mémoire which British Minister will leave with Foreign Minister today was put in final form. After referring to legal position of two Norwegian tankers aide-mémoire states that British will not apply for clearance until after arrival of Sveadrott and Saturnus if they are not unduly delayed. Then followed in substance British Government attaches such importance to this that unless Swedish Government can assure them in course of next fortnight they are prepared allow departure these ships accordance international law, British Government decided in agreement with United States Government withhold in future all licenses for export from overseas goods destined Sweden.
At suggestion of British Government United States Government has agreed in principle that Swedish import quotas to be fixed after discussion between three Governments shall actually be made available to Sweden and shall not as now depend upon whether goods are available. United States Government however, warned Boheman in most serious terms they would consider themselves free to withdraw agreement if Swedish consent to departure of Norwegian ships from Goteborg were withheld. Provided satisfactory settlement of matter can be reached British Government [will] undertake to use best endeavors to insure that in fixing amounts of Swedish import quotas everything possible will be done to meet Sweden’s viewpoint.
Repeated to London.