103.9164: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
7048. SD 3986. From Berle and Land, WSA. Reference Embassy’s 6821. In view reply to joint démarche is expected within period of not more than 10 days, State Department and WSA agree that invitation to Swedes to accede to agreement on principles may be delayed until such reply is received.
Immediate consideration is being given to possibility of advising Norwegians, Belgians and Dutch in detail as to reasons for delay. Pending decision on this question, however, you will have to temporize with informal assurance to Norwegians and other signatory [Page 688] nations if they request such assurance that United States and United Kingdom are delaying invitation to Swedes for good and sufficient reasons vital to war effort and that United States and United Kingdom are willing to reiterate their commitments in respect of Swedish shipping made at Shipping Conference. [Berle and Land.]