740.00112 European War 1939/10470: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
Washington, April 5,
1944—11 p.m.
2665. For the Ambassador and Riefler.
- 1.
- Since despatch of Department’s 2631 of April 4, Department and FEA have further considered your 2713 of April 3. We still consider that we must proceed with the démarche to the Swedish Government outlined in our 2604 of April 3 and we hope that the Foreign Office will associate itself with us. Please advise us urgently on this point.
- 2.
- We are concerned that the line of action proposed in your 2713 rejects the possibility of obtaining a complete cessation of exports during the year 1944 or even the decrease in total 1944 exports suggested under point (a) of your paragraph 2.
- 3.
- Following presentation of the note, an approach might be made to SKF, either through Mark Wallenberg or otherwise, offering to make large purchases this year and next provided deliveries to Germany and German-occupied Europe cease entirely and at once. Wallenberg might be advised along the lines indicated in the last sentence of your paragraph 5 and, in addition, the possibility of blacklisting SKF might be pointed out as indicated in the next to the last paragraph of the draft note contained in our 2604.
- 4.
- We are prepared to make available whatever amount is necessary to accomplish our objectives. Please advise what credits or other transfer of funds is necessary.
- 5.
- Question of approach to Soviet Government is under consideration. You will be kept advised.
Hull