740.00112 European War 1939/10455: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:33 p.m.]
2617. For limited distribution Department and Stone FEA from Riefler. Reference Embassy’s 2460, March 26, 4 p.m.60 As part of conversations at present being conducted in London on Swedish exports of ball bearings, Hägglöf sent Foot a letter in which following pertinent passages occurred:
“What I have told you about the keen interest of the Swedish authorities to acquire aeroplanes of the type mentioned is fully confirmed by the information which I have now received from Stockholm.
As to the question of the Swedish exports of ball bearings to Germany, there can be no doubt that these exports are well within the limitations laid down in the London Declaration. A reduction of the kind mentioned during our conversation would constitute a breach of the agreement recently concluded by Sweden regarding exports to Germany. The Swedish authorities do not find it possible to justify such a breach.
By my letter of the 3rd March, you have on the other hand received an assurance that the exports will be limited per month to about one-twelfth of the yearly total.”
Riefler and Foot questioned Hägglöf closely on exact implication of phrases in carefully worded letter quoted above. It was clear that though Swedish Government desired airplanes badly it considers itself pretty thoroughly committed to deliver bearings up to amounts of ceiling limitations, and that maximum additional restriction they can impose is holding to about one-twelfth of annual quota monthly.
British ball-bearing expert in Stockholm has now arrived here, and discussions regarding last year’s preemptive purchases are under way.
Possibility of direct approach to SKF in regard to 1944 exports is being actively canvassed and results will be reported as soon as possible. [Riefler.]
- Not printed.↩