857.20/2–1948: Telegram
The Ambassador in Norway ( Bay ) to the Secretary of State
88. Embtel 45, January 301. Defense Minister Hauge requested Naval and Air Attachés to call his office February 17 and as in his [Page 25] recent conversation with Military Attaché raised numerous questions re possibilities and probable character of American assistance to Norway in case of war. With special reference to Finletter report to President on aviation policy2 he asked what place Norway might have in American air strategy, what aid might be expected in early stages of war, and whether, where, and at what stages in such emergency US would want to establish air, sea and land bases in Norway. He placed considerable emphasis on Norway’s role in guided missile warfare. Hauge gave definite impression he hoped obtain some form of American commitment to aid Norway should war occur.
Although discussions lasted almost two hours NA and MAA indicated they had no special knowledge of proposed American strategy this area in event of war and no authority to discuss subject officially, their comment representing only their personal views. See MAA’s secret R 4748, February 19 and NA’s report S7–48, February 19.3
These conversations with Embassy’s three service attaches on Defense Minister’s initiative represent new departure as he has not previously broached similar subjects with them nor, it is believed, with British. Embassy attributes motives for this move on his part to (1) westward trend in Norwegian foreign policy during past eight months which gained marked momentum following breakdown London CFM Conference; (2) recent increased awareness in Foreign Office and other governmental circles of pitiful state of Norway defenses and stress laid on military preparedness in Storting debate on foreign policy last week when Prime Minister4 agreed to proposal for joint party discussion of defense matters (Embtels 76 and 81, February 12 and 173); (3) growing recognition that Norway must ultimately turn to US for military equipment and supplies as well as military guidance and counsel; and (4) Hauge’s realization that he is object of considerable dissatisfaction and criticism (Embassy despatch 26, January 145) and that in order save his job he must make impressive efforts to acquit himself as Defense Minister.
Embassy has not been able determine whether Hauge is speaking on own account or with knowledge or instructions of government as whole, but believes his overtures reflect new spirit in Norwegian foreign policy and would, if known, be favorably regarded in most Norwegian [Page 26] quarters, particularly among senior military naval and air officers.
Military, Naval and Air Attaches believe, and I concur, that it would be helpful and desirable for them to have specific instructions as to general attitude they should take in any future discussions of this kind, and guidance re nature of replies they should make to further questions. Even if instructions should have to be made mainly negative, Embassy believes they should take cognizance of desirability of avoiding any discouragement to present westward trend Norwegian policies and reflect full appreciation of legitimacy Norwegian desire to ascertain how country’s defense measures may best be coordinated with American concept of Norway’s role in event of war. It is suggested Department may wish to confer with other departments concerned on formulation such instructions and advise Embassy accordingly.
Pass to War, Navy, Air.