740.00112 European War 1939/11–844
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Acting Secretary of State
The Swedish Minister called this morning at his request.
He stated that he received a communication from his Government that they had an urgent military need for buna and that it was hoped that a shipment could be placed on board a vessel leaving the 15th although it could be held until the 20th. The Minister stated that in his opinion his Government had fulfilled all of our requests and that in return the buna seemed a very small item.
In reply I pointed out to the Minister that certain members of this Government were doubtful as to whether it was wise to resume shipments of this kind to Sweden until his Government had actually cut all economic aid to the enemy. The Minister replied that the cessation of exports to Germany would completely isolate Sweden from the rest of the world and would not permit trade with Britain, the United States, or any other country. He knew that American Army and Navy representatives had this attitude but he thought that the attitude of FEA and the Department in these matters was very constructive. He stated that he had exchanged views with his Government on the advisability of appealing to the President but he knew that the President was busy and would back up the military in any event.
I then told the Minister that he must realize it had taken his Government a long time to accomplish the reduction in exports and that while I was not sure what could be done in the case of his request for buna, I would look into the situation and review it with the proper officers in the Department.