740.00112 European War 1939/10523: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
London, April 12,
1944—9 p.m.
[Received April 12—7:44 p.m.]
[Received April 12—7:44 p.m.]
2977. From the Ambassador and Riefler for Department and Stone FEA.
- 1.
- British Minister in Stockholm has just cabled MEW his strong belief that most recently amended version of clause aimed at SKF in draft ballbearing note, (see Department’s 2828, April 10) hurts rather than helps a successful conclusion of our negotiations. He has also stated that initial response to his approach to SKF through Wallenberg is distinctly encouraging. He therefore feels the clause should not be included in the note.
- 2.
- Notwithstanding MEW’s viewpoint reported in Embassy’s 2948, April 11,89 to give written support to note including clause, Foot is now unwilling to override Mallet’s objections. He has, however, instructed Mallet: (a) To confer with Johnson on problem of elimination of clause to which he objects; (b) whether clause is eliminated or not, to support note; and (c) if clause is not eliminated, that he (Mallet) has leeway as to whether British support is in written or oral form.
- 3.
- Embassy has worked industriously to obtain full and wholehearted British support for a form of démarche to Swedes about which [Page 500] British had serious misgivings. Their Minister in Stockholm, in contrast to ours, has again today expressed serious doubts about wisdom of formal note. We have succeeded in securing full support in London to everything except clause noted above. It has been our experience to date that our chances of success in very difficult negotiations such as these, are immeasurably increased when United States Government and His Majesty’s Government are in full and hearty accord. In view of this fact and Johnson’s stand (see Legation’s 1219, April 10 to Department90) Embassy recommends that clause be dropped from note. [Winant and Riefler.]
Winant