Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, Europe, Volume IV

740.00112 European War 1939/10970: Telegram

The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Stockholm, June 9, 1944—6 p.m.
[Received 9:52 p.m.]

2067. Following is from Griffis and Poteat for Department and FEA with which I entirely concur. Griffis, Poteat and I have just had a meeting with British Minister and Waring. Two latter state that they are likewise in entire agreement and request that substance of message be given to Foot with statement that it has their approval. Reference my 2041, June 8, 1 p.m. (532, June 8, 1 p.m. to London) and 2050, June 8, 5 p.m.⁷⁴ (534, June 8, 5 p.m. to London):

Late last evening SKF officials and Wallenberg coming directly from a meeting with the Government and apparently acting under Government instructions refused to incorporate in agreement paragraph 7 stating that the negotiations [negotiators?] reserved on behalf of their Governments complete freedom of future action. The contention is that while this has been made entirely clear the Government will not permit it to go in the record. Company insists on making proposition to us stating that they will now make a change in their export policy fully conforming to memorandum sent you.⁷⁵ We are to reply that in consideration of this we will give them indemnity and orders as outlined in memorandum. However, no statement of freedom of action is to be incorporated by letter or otherwise. In view of fact that this reservation has been made clear in all meetings with company officials and Wallenberg and by the Minister in meetings with the Government we feel that it does not vitally affect the situation to keep it out of the record and will appreciate it if you can so promptly instruct us.

This telegram is being repeated to London as my 540, June 9, 6 p.m. with request that substance be given to MEW.

Johnson

74. Latter not printed.
75. Apparently this is a reference to a letter from SKF to the American Legation in late May 1944, paraphrased copy of which was transmitted to the Department in telegram 1910, May 28, 6 p.m., from Stockholm, not printed; for substance, see telegram 1909, May 28, 4 p.m., from Stockholm, p. 554.