740.00112 European War 1939/10–1444: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:50 p.m.]
4179. Desirability of immediately stopping all exports to Germany and satellites of iron ore, charcoal, pig iron and various steels (Department’s 1999, October 5, 7 p.m.91) has with knowledge and approval of Swedish Foreign Office (Legation’s 4166, October 13, 7 p.m.,92 [Page 649] 1274 to London) been discussed with Wiking Johnsson, Managing Director of Jernkontoret, Swedish Iron and Steel Association. He has undertaken to inform appropriate organization members of our wishes and to advise us on October 18 of what can be worked out secretly. He believes that most members will be disposed to collaborate without pressure and that he will have useful suggestions as to how others can be brought into line.
Sohlman is seeing managing directors of Uddeholm93 and Bofors on our behalf this weekend.
It is again urged that this informal method of approach which I am gratified to note is preferred by MEW (London’s 8704, October 13, 8 p.m., 566 to Legation94) be allowed opportunity to produce results. British Minister is out of town but I will inform him as soon as he returns.
My 1280, October 14, 5 p.m., repeats this to London for the Ambassador and Stone.