740.00112 European War 1939/10515: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 11—8:34 p.m.]
1234. My 1219, April 10, 5 p.m.87 I gather from talk with British Minister that clause substituted in Department’s 629 April 10, 10 [Page 499] p.m.88 numbered paragraph 1 for clause specifically threatening SKF would be even more objectionable to British authorities than original clause because it contains a threat against the Swedish Government. Mallet is strongly of opinion that inclusion of this clause will not, at this stage, add to forcefulness of our representations. It is his feeling that this threat will be intensely resented by Swedish Government, will be considered as an attempt to intimidate them and will hinder rather than further attainment of our purposes. He bases his opinion on all past experience in dealing with Swedes where threats or implied threats have been employed. It is my own opinion that we might have better chance of constructive results if note is put in omitting this threat against the Government and stating that we confidently expect an immediate and favorable reply. If such a reply is not forthcoming we can then inform the Swedes exactly what we intend to do.
My 268 April 11, 9 p.m. repeats this to London.