Office of the Historian

740.00112 European War 1939/10–2444: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden (Johnson)

Washington, October 26, 1944—7 p.m.

2151. You are requested immediately to make the démarche mentioned in the Department’s 2098, October 19, 3 p.m., and 2122, October 21, 7 p.m.4 Please report fully the conversation which you and your British colleague have with the Foreign Minister in regard thereto.

In the event that Mr. Günther replies along the lines indicated in your 4331, October 24, 8 p.m., we believe that it would be helpful for you to have our views regarding such a proposal. These are for your confidential information and not for communication to him or any other Swedish official.

(a)
Although we realize that the matter of buna is connected with the termination of exports, we desire, in so far as possible, to treat the subject separately and thus avoid any idea of striking a bargain.
(b)
It is our wish that Sweden will terminate immediately the exportation of all the products to be mentioned in the démarche. If Sweden insists on maintaining token shipments of iron ore until the safe conduct vessel about to load at New Orleans arrives at Göteborg, we will not make an issue of the matter.
(c)
In view of the interest of the British in stopping exports of lithium carbonate, it is felt that it should not be omitted from the list of commodities to be included in the démarche. Should the Swedes meet us on all the other points, however, it is possible that the British may be willing to reach a compromise regarding this product.
(d)
It is immaterial to us what methods the Swedish Government employs to stop the exports.
(e)
Since we are reasonably confident that the Swedish Government will meet our wishes we are already seeking to receive authority from the Combined Raw Materials Board for the release of upwards of 1,000 tons of buna and certain necessary accessories. Before the shipment could be made, however, we would require assurances from the Swedish Government that all token exports of iron ore to Germany and German-occupied countries would terminate as soon as the vessel reaches Göteborg.
(f)
If such a suggestion is made, you should make it clear to Mr. Günther that we have no intention of granting compensation to any Swedish firm in return for compliance with our requests.
(g)
Every effort will be made to avoid any publicity on the actions which Sweden may take in meeting our wishes.

Repeated to London as Department’s 8941.

Stettinius
  1. Latter not printed.↩