103.9169 Stockholm: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Stockholm, May 13,
1944—9 p.m.
[Received May 13—6:51 p.m.]
[Received May 13—6:51 p.m.]
1708. From Griffis for Crowley, Currie, Scheuer and Stone. Please instruct me on following points:
- 1.
- If compromise made satisfactory to you involving postponement substantial shipments until latter months of year and company suggests possible insolvency of Germany at that time, may I be authorized guarantee payment contract against delivery goods to Allies?
- 2.
- If arrangements made along above lines, do you desire now enter any trade negotiations or complete pre-emptive purchases for 1945?
- 3.
- Swedish Government hiding behind three main points alleged opinion: first, sanctity of contracts; second, fear of German attack; third, inability Allies to aid Sweden in case of attack. Government strongly influenced by press and public opinion. Recommend nationwide publicity campaign here to educate public opinion against these contentions, handled by best Swedish publicity journalist. Could an appropriation be made for this effort? [Griffis.]
Johnson