740.59112A/9–1144: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 12—7:24 a.m.]
3607. Legation’s 2312, June 26, 9 p.m. (621 to London). Member of British Legation has advised this Legation that British cooperation in obtaining information on Danish and Norwegian persons and firms must terminate by reason of directive received from London as result of British Legation’s request for instructions.
This Legation was advised that basis of this instruction is that Allied policy is opposed to instituting “Black List” for occupied countries in post war period since such questions will be handled by special commission.
British Legation advised Foss of Freedom Council and Torp-Pedersen79 of Danish Legation of such instructions at same time it advised this Legation and they subsequently informed us that in view of Allied policy they could not assist us in obtaining desired information.
In undertaking to collect and organize information this Legation has not intended in any way to determine policy concerning the controls to be instituted by Allies or by occupied countries in post war period against undesirable firms and persons. However because of potential accessibility of sources of information Legation undertook such investigations in belief that information obtained would be of assistance in establishing policy and of value to Allied Governments in executing policy agreed upon. Correctness of this belief was confirmed by Department’s A–177, July 6.80
Present status of investigations is that Norwegian Legation has now consented to assist by obtaining information from Norway and checking it, although on somewhat limited basis. Foss has indicated desire to continue but expressed concern in view of British statement concerning Allied policy.
Accordingly Legation urgently desires instructions as to whether information of this type should continue to be collected. Legation’s views supported by Munck and Foss insofar as Denmark is concerned is that this procedure might be of great assistance in immediate post war period.
My 1048, September 11, 11 p.m., to London repeats this message.