858.248/9–2844: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden (Johnson)
1970. Your 3939, September 28, 7 p.m. Please express to Mr. Boheman the appreciation of this Government for the gesture of good will on the part of the Swedish Government in releasing 300 interned airmen.
We are inquiring of the War Department as to whether the need for the remaining airmen is sufficiently great to warrant the political undesirability of carrying through further man-for-man exchanges without consulting the Soviet authorities. In view of very possible Soviet objection to exchange on this basis, it is suggested in the meantime that it may be advisable for you to follow up actively with Mr. Boheman the release of the balance of the airmen against the sale of P–47 aircraft and loan of 2 Flying Fortresses.