800.85/11–144: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 1—7:13 p.m.]
4461. I have been informed by Mr. Boheman that Swedish Government is sending him to London next week together with Mr. Gunnar [Page 723] Carlsson, chairman of Swedish Shipowners Association, for talks with Allied authorities regarding the international shipping pool. Boheman indicated his Government and Swedish shipping circles are worried regarding demands which may be made on Sweden in connection with international shipping pool. He says his Government has very clear ideas of what its own needs will be and that it is not yet clear that these needs will be met by Sweden’s entering proposed arrangements. One thing which is considered vital is that Sweden retain control of her own shipping. Boheman did not go into any particular details as to the line he would take but made it clear that Swedish views are going to be pressed and defended vigorously. He mentioned importance of small craft (under 3,000 tons) to Swedish needs and necessity for Sweden to have large fleet of ships of this category under her entire control. He expects to be gone about a week. That Swedes are going to make a fight to maintain their own substantial shipping trade regardless of what international shipping situation may be I think can be taken for granted. Although there are numerous indications that both Government and shipping circles as well as opinion generally are inclined to be skeptical of Sweden’s entering the shipping pool and are keenly aware of the Russian attitude, I think Sweden could in any case be counted on to recognize moral obligation that a portion of her shipping fleet be employed in relief work of various kinds such as bringing food supplies and equipment to war ravaged areas of Europe.
My 1407 to London repeats this.