740.00112 European War 1939/8877: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:30 p.m.]
2184. This afternoon Boheman informed Mallet and me that instructions would be telegraphed this afternoon to Swedish Minister, London, for communication to American and British authorities of Swedish Government’s reply regarding London trade agreement proposals. He wished to inform Mallet and me at same time of purport of these instructions and said that Minister Boström was likewise being informed but not for communication to Department. Following is paraphrase of text of aide-mémoire which it is said Prytz will present to American Embassy and MEW:
Draft agreement submitted by delegates who recently met in London has been carefully examined by Swedish Government for application of proposed Swedish declaration concerning transit traffic is that Swedish Government should conclude an agreement with one belligerent party concerning abolition of an undertaking toward other belligerent party. Swedish Government cannot possibly proceed in this manner. Within nearest future Swedish Government will, however, denounce transit agreements now in force with Germany.
Swedish Government are prepared to consider definitely a contractual regulation of other questions covered by declarations after transit through Sweden of military personnel and war material has ceased. Swedish Government have, however, intention to direct their foreign financial and commercial policy beginning at once in accordance with rules which will correspond to principles laid down in London declarations.
Royal Government venture to express their confidence that American and British Governments will also apply principles of declarations.
See immediately following telegram.72
Repeated to London as my 376.
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