857D.00/9–848: Telegram
The Ambassador in Norway (Bay) to the Secretary of State
580. Embtel 570, September 7.1 Pointed out to Foreign Minister that irrespective actual results Stockholm Conference, discussion of [Page 236] Sweden’s terms for Nordic defense group was essential from Norwegian domestic political standpoint owing to belief in certain quarters that Scandinavian states must find answer among selves to Scandinavian defense problem. If impossible to achieve satisfactory form of association Lange is personally convinced that Norway would have no alternative other than to seek association with Western Powers in some form.
Lange stated his government has received no encouragement from other states to join western union. He has clear impression, however, that signatories Brussels Pact more than ever opposed to enlarging group and inclined to prefer formation Atlantic defense group including Scandinavian states with possible later integration into western union.
As hypothetical question Lange asked me what would be position of Norway in light of Vandenberg resolution if Scandinavian defense discussions resulted in failure and Norway openly expressed willingness to join Western Union or similar group but received no invitation. In other words would mere willingness to become a signatory of Brussels Pact qualify Norway for aid under Vandenberg resolution.
Following hypothetical question also asked by Lange: Assuming Scandinavian states conclude defense pact with rigid neutrality provision, excluding defense alliance with any other foreign power under any foreseeable conditions, would aid implied in Vandenberg resolution be withheld or restricted?
Lange emphasized Norway’s positive determination to avoid accepting such terms but felt his position in Foreign Ministers meeting might be fortified should answer suggest restriction of aid under these conditions. Expressed private opinion such absolute neutrality provision might be interpreted as contrary to sense of resolution that “the national security of the US must be advanced by the arrangement”.
In general Lange’s attitude as heretofore was extremely pro-American. He recognized necessity for both military and economic association with the west and is driving hard against Swedish neutrality while necessarily preserving inter-Scandinavian understanding and goodwill. He expressed appreciation of US determination to extend all possible consideration to Norway and said his government felt greatly encouraged by recent US evidence to this effect.
Repeated to Stockholm and Copenhagen.
- In telegram 570, not printed, Bay reported on an hour’s conversation he had with Lange on September 7 in which the Foreign Minister said that his objective at the Stockholm meeting would be to prove to Sweden the impossibility of adhering to its present neutrality policy. Short of that result, Lange said he would hope to find an area of agreement among the powers which would save face for Sweden and preserve sufficient freedom of action under certain conditions for making possible an ultimate alignment with the West (857D.00/9–748).↩