840.48 Refugees/4684a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
6316. Your 6784, October 7, 5 p.m. In our study of the proposal for the removal of Jewish children from Germany to Sweden, we have been concerned about the possibility that an approach by the Swedish Government to the German Government for the release of Jewish children alone would result in a rejection of the proposal by the German Government and we have been hopeful that these children could be included in some proposal for the release of children generally from German-held territory. The matter was discussed along these lines at the Department with Thorold of the British Embassy now in London. Nevertheless, we are prepared to give immediate consideration to the proposal as it stands. However, in view of the uncertainty which the Swedish authorities have hitherto shown as to the course of action which they might follow and in light of the [Page 366] developments with respect to Jews in Denmark, we suggest that confidential inquiry be made of the Swedish Government as to its willingness to take up the matter now with the German Government, and of the assistance it will need of us for the care of the children. Perhaps the inquiry could be made by the Director of the Intergovernmental Committee or we would be willing to have the matter presented jointly by the American and British Ministers at Stockholm.
We feel that a definite statement should be obtained from the Swedish Government before we and the British authorities proceed to make arrangements, including the allocation of funds by the President for our share of the expenditures to be incurred, to put the proposal into execution.