740.00112 European War 1939/7–1344: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
5526. Your 5529, July 13, 6 p.m. Department and FEA agree that reference to War Trade Agreement for 1945 should be omitted. We therefore agree to the omission of the following words in the second paragraph:
“During the negotiations for a war trade agreement for 1945 which they will soon propose to the Swedish Government”. We feel, however, that the remaining portions of the aide-mémoire should remain since there is need for immediate action and time does not permit [Page 581] clearing a revised draft with the other interested agencies in Washington which have already approved the essential points in draft note. In view of the fact that British proposals parallel ours in regard to this matter we hope that MEW will agree to the aide-mémoire quoted in Department’s 5420, July 10 to London and repeated to Stockholm as Department’s 1362 with the aforementioned change. The aide-mémoire as drafted would make the appropriate request of the Swedes and would cover our attitude should that request be refused. It is of importance to note that the American Minister at Bern99 has been instructed to make a statement in the same sense to the Swiss Government (Department’s telegram 2398 of July 13 to Bern,1 repeated to London as Department’s 5499).
You are requested to make every effort to persuade MEW to instruct the British Minister in Stockholm to the end that the aide-mémoire may be presented jointly by the British and American Ministers.
Since we are informed Swedish-German negotiations begin in Stockholm on July 20, it is imperative that representations be made to the Swedish Foreign Office before that date. Will you therefore cable Department at earliest possible moment whether you have been able to secure MEW’s agreement.
Sent to London, repeated to Stockholm as Department’s 1400.