740.00112 European War 1939/10507: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
3032. In considering the possible pressures that might be effective in the event that the Swedes do not give us satisfaction in the matter of elimination of ball-bearing exports to the enemy we have reached the conclusion that the most effective measure would be the black listing of SKF. We recognize that the full effectiveness of black listing action cannot be obtained unless we are joined by the British. The British, however, apparently do not feel able at this time to commit themselves to black listing of SKF because of the strong opposition of their supply authorities and of Portal, Chief of Air Staff, (Embassy’s 2920, April 10), since they feel that such action might endanger the supply of bearings needed for British aircraft. It is obvious therefore that an essential condition precedent to the British ability fully to cooperate in this matter would be the supply from the United States of the bearings the British now obtain in Sweden. For reasons unknown to the Department difficulty has been experienced in obtaining from the British the data necessary to determine whether British bearing needs can be adequately met from the United States. (See Department’s 2856, April 11.99) As time may be of the essence the Department would appreciate your taking the necessary steps to put the American and British supply authorities at work on this question as soon as possible. Please bring this telegram to the attention of Freeman Matthews1 as well as Riefler.