740.00112 European War 1939/7553: Telegram
The Chargé in Sweden (Greene) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:07 p.m.]
3709. British Minister has just shown me a telegram from his Government defining only basis on which ultimatum concerning Norwegian ships lying in Göteborg could be lifted, that is, for Swedish Government to guarantee to grant a demise charter for some Swedish ships suitable for proceeding to Great Britain with cargoes from Dicto and Lionel with a speed not, less than 15 knots which could be loaded with cargoes or at least the most essential parts of cargoes of those ships by January 15. Mallet is presenting this proposal to Foreign Office today with statement that if Swedish Government makes such an offer British Government will give it very earnest consideration and a very early reply. Ship must, of course, be in good running order, adequately fueled and equipped with paravanes and labor facilities, for transfer of cargo must be guaranteed.
Repeated to London.