103.9169/12–1444: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden (Johnson)
2588. Reference is made to Legation’s 5120, December 14, 1944, 6 p.m.,35 containing a statement attributed to Mr. Carlsson to the effect that in his conversations with Huntington Morse, WSA, he was advised that “if Sweden joined the pool, the United States would see to it that Sweden got the essential supplies she required in 1945.”
The Department and WSA desire to clarify what is undoubtedly an unintentional misinterpretation. What Morse actually assured Mr. Carlsson was that, if Sweden did accede to the Agreement on Principles under the terms and conditions of the protocol of accession, such acceptance at this time would not only improve the atmosphere surrounding Sweden’s negotiations, but would also be helpful to Sweden in working out her requirements for supplies. The implication of a guarantee was carefully avoided. It was made clear that, while Swedish accession would create better atmosphere, it would not necessarily create supplies.
It is to be added, however, that if Sweden accedes to the Agreement, it is most important that Sweden should not, later on, be given cause to doubt the good faith of our statements.
- Not printed.↩