740.00112 European War 1939/10–644: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:24 p.m.]
4070. For Department only. My 4066, October 6, 9 p.m., 1225 to London for Ambassador only. Substance of letter which SKF and Mr. Boheman desire British Minister and me to address to company in connection with their preparations completely to stop all exports of bearings et cetera effective October 12 is as follows:
On behalf of the Governments which we represent we the undersigned inform you that we expect you within a week’s time to stop all your exports to Germany and satellite countries of ball-bearing machinery, ball and roller bearings and parts thereof. If you do not stop your exports of these commodities to the countries in question you will have to bear the consequences such as the blacklisting of your firm which will mean the stoppage of your exports to other countries even after the war and also seizure of your property in countries which are under Allied control. A copy of this letter has been sent to the Swedish Foreign Office.
If British Minister concurs I propose jointly to sign with him a letter to SKF along lines indicated and to make it available to the company tomorrow unless Department instructs to contrary.
My 1226 repeats this to London for Ambassador only.