857.24/104: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 1—2:39 a.m.]
687. With reference to Norsk Hydro case, Legation has been informed by British Commercial Counselor12 that his instructions from London were to give noncommittal answer to Norwegian request for replacement machinery from Sweden. He has suggested therefore that if Americans’ desire is to prevent shipments from taking place we should make our views known in a more decisive manner to Norwegian Government so that they will discontinue their efforts to replace damage done by our air force in Rjukan raid.
Since we understand that this matter has been extensively discussed in London and that joint views of British and United States Governments were to be made clear to Norwegians there, Legation suggests that Embassy in London be instructed to ensure that Norwegian Government does not misunderstand decision.
This suggestion is made because Legation has obtained from British Commercial Counselor copy of letter sent by official of Norwegian Legation here to Swedish General Electric Company on February 24 in which definite impression is given that Norsk Hydro repairs have been approved “from London”. Urgent action is therefore required if this export is to be prevented.
Both British Commercial Counselor and Legation feel that if this transaction is to be prevented best procedure would be to have Norwegian Government take necessary steps. Attempt by United States to accomplish this result through official request to Swedish Government or unofficial pressure on Swedish General Electric Company might prove embarrassing.
This has not been repeated to London.
- J. M. L. Mitcheson.↩