740.00112 European War 1939/7481: Telegram
The Chargé in Sweden (Greene) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:13 a.m.]
3634. Mallet, whom I was able to see only at a large dinner last night met a very negative attitude when he presented his ultimatum to Foreign Minister (see my 3622, December 22 [21], 9 a.m.). Although, of course, no filial answer was given, Mr. Günther said among [Page 372] other things that while Söderblom had been authorized to say (see final paragraph my 3586, December 16, 5 p.m.62) that no promise had been given Germans that these ships would not be released, following unfortunate episode of arming of group to leave Göteborg last spring, Günther himself had told German Minister63 that Sweden had decided not to let ships leave and that latter would be informed if any change in this decision were made. At same time German Minister informed Foreign Minister in writing that if ships were released at any time in future, permission for Swedish ships to pass through German blockade would automatically cease.
A Foreign [Office?] official later told me Foreign Minister had been very clear in his conversation with Mallet that there was practically no chance of ships being given permission to leave, apparently having said during interview that if he had left impression that there was in his mind any likelihood of Government changing its decision on this point he wished to dispel that impression.
Marcus Wallenberg at whose house dinner took place and who as chairman of joint standing British-Swedish Trade Committee which will hold a meeting today had been informed of developments told me he felt absolutely sure there would be no change in position of Sweden about ships.
Mallet who has been anything but enthusiastic about forcing an issue feels there is no chance of getting ships out and that cutting off traffic either by United Nations or by Germany may have serious repercussions in throwing Sweden nearer to Germany and weakening Swedish power of resistance.
Mallet told me his Foreign Office had instructed Ambassador Kerr64 in Moscow to tell Molotov65 whole story which is likely to complicate situation here if Soviet Chargé d’Affaires is given instructions. I have an appointment with Foreign Minister this afternoon during which I shall present our position as authorized in final paragraph Department’s 1133, December 19, 5 p.m.
Repeated to London.