Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, Europe, Volume IV

103.9169/12–2244: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

London, December 22, 1944—8 p.m.
[Received December 22—5:02 p.m.]

11399. For Department, Crowley and Fleming FEA from Stone. Revised draft of interim agreement, incorporating all textual changes suggested by Washington, was presented at a meeting today with Gisle⁴⁰ representing the Swedes in the absence of Boheman who has been detained in Paris. We proposed with the British that this agreement be considered as in force on January 1, pending formal signature upon Boheman’s return in January. During the period between January 1 and the formalizing of the agreement, any changes that the Swedes or ourselves might wish to make could be considered. Swedish delegation here is cabling for approval on this basis.⁴¹

We assured the Swedes that every precaution would be taken to prevent any publicity leak which would jeopardize safe arrival of Saturnus.

Repeated to Stockholm as Embassy’s 868. [Stone.]

Winant

40. Carl O. Gisle, Counselor of the Swedish Legation in the United Kingdom.
41. On December 30 the Swedish Legation in London informed the British Ministry of Economic Warfare that the Swedish Government agreed to consider the interim agreement in force as of January 1, 1945.