868.48/3453: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Matthews) to the Secretary of State

693. Embassy’s 319, January 13, 4 p.m. Foreign Office has written to the Embassy regarding the substance of the last sentence of the antepenultimate paragraph of the telegram under reference. Foreign Office has now heard from the British Minister in Stockholm82 that the Swedish Government is informing the Axis Governments that it assumes that the latter will provide bunkers at the Piraeus for their [the?] vessel while it is in Greek waters. The British Minister added that the alternative would be the periodical transfer of oil from the bunkers of ships arriving from Canada,; and the Minister has asked what would be the attitude of the United States and British Governments if the Axis should refuse to provide these bunkers.

Foreign Office has replied to the Minister that it considers that the Axis should provide these bunkers in Greece and that it does not wish to prejudge its attitude in the event of Axis refusal.

Foreign Office has requested our views on the point raised. Please advise.

Matthews
  1. V. A. L. Mallet.