740.00112 European War 1939/10–1044: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
8388. Now that the ball-bearing question seems to be satisfactorily settled, (Stockholm’s 4109, October 10, 6 p.m., repeated to London as 1250) there still remains, in the opinion of the Department and FEA, the immediate necessity of doing everything possible to bring about the cessation of exports to Germany of the other rubrics mentioned in the Department’s 8146, October 5, 7 p.m.
We are glad to note that the Foreign Office has stated that its preliminary reaction to the terms of the proposed démarche was favorable with two possible reservations (your 8403, October 6, 7 p.m.). In view of the present attitude of the Swedish Government, we are quite willing to omit any threat and are also willing to omit any supply commitment from the démarche should the British so desire.
We do believe, however, that a joint overall démarche should immediately be made to the Swedish Foreign Minister along the lines of the Department’s October 5 telegram with the modifications referred to above.
Since we have accepted the British reservations, we are hopeful that the British will instruct their Minister at Stockholm to join our Minister in making the démarche now. Please discuss this matter with Foreign Office and MEW, and cable Department and Legation, Stockholm, urgently the decision arrived at.
Sent to London, repeated to Stockholm.