740.00112 European War 1939/8586: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 30—1:40 a.m.]
3697. 1. It seems to us at this time that existing Swedish commitments make it most unlikely that we will be able to obtain a specific limitation on 1943 iron ore exports from Sweden, although the overall limitation to be placed by value on all Swedish exports to enemy Europe during 1943 may result in some decrease in iron ore exports.
2. The Swedes have offered, however, a general commitment to exert every effort within that portion of Swedish exports not covered by existing commitments to bring about as great a reduction as possible in 1943 trade with enemy Europe. They have also suggested two other possibilities which because of their nature should be treated with the greatest secrecy.
[Page 776]- (a).
- If Soviet or other United Nations air and submarine activity in Baltic waters during the forthcoming months can be stepped up to an extent which would give the Swedish Government reason to consider Baltic waters dangerous to Swedish shipping, the Swedes might require all Swedish shipping in those waters to voyage in convoy through Swedish territorial waters, instead of through the open waters of the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic sea. The institution of compulsory convoy under Swedish naval escort would, the Swedes assert, furnish the Swedish Government an opportunity to slow down the movement of Swedish ore vessels by various military measures and thus indirectly bring about some reduction in iron ore exports.
- (b).
- If United Nations naval and air action should bring about appreciable losses to vessels now engaged in the carrying trade between Sweden and enemy Europe, the Swedes believe that the shortage of tonnage available to the enemy would lead the Germans to press for the release of Swedish tonnage which is now laid up in Swedish ports and which is suitable for the Baltic trade. The Swedes suggest accordingly, that they enter into a commitment with us not to replace with Swedish tonnage any tonnage now engaged in trade between Sweden and enemy Europe which may be lost.
3. Above-mentioned suggestions are being studied by MEW which may also consult the Admiralty. We would appreciate your comments.