740.00112 European War 1939/10978: Telegram

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

1174. The Department and FEA have authorized approval of SKF proposal on the clear understanding that we reserve full freedom of action in the future. This reservation is essential to our acceptance of this agreement with the company and must be made absolutely clear to both SKF and the Swedish Foreign Office. Your 2067, June 9.

In order that there may be no possible cause for future misunderstanding on the point that the interim arrangement with SKF is not regarded by this Government as satisfaction of its original demands in the note of April 13 and that accordingly we may revert to those demands you are instructed to call at the Foreign Office along with your British colleague, when he receives similar instructions which are being sent to him by Foot, and to inform Boheman or other appropriate official of the Foreign Office in the sense of this telegram.

Griffis should also emphasize foregoing to the SKF company. On foregoing terms paragraph 7 may be omitted from exchange of letters.76

If arrangement is satisfactorily concluded in accordance with foregoing, Griffis and Poteat may return. Your 2079, June 10.77

Stettinius
  1. See footnote 73, p. 564.
  2. Not printed.