740.00112 European War 1939/10–1044: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:42 p.m.]
4109. For Department only. At Board of Directors meeting October 9, SKF officially decided to stop all exports to Germany and satellite countries of ball and roller bearings and parts thereof and of ball-bearing machinery as from October 12.
The company’s minutes will record (a) that SKF is doing this in the assumption that the 5 points set forth in the memorandum which was handed Waring on October 7 (Legation’s 4097, October 9, 7 p.m.) will be given sympathetic consideration by the British and American Governments; (b) that SKF does not request an answer now but reserves the right to receive clarification at a later date and (c) that it was agreed that no publicity shall take place.
[Page 648]My 1250, October 10, 6 p.m. repeats this to London, for the Ambassador only.