840.50 Recovery/2–2548: Telegram

The Ambassador in Norway (Bay) to the Secretary of State

secret

100. Foreign Office Secretary General Andvord gave Embassy officer following information this morning regarding conference Scandinavian Foreign Ministers Oslo February 23–24 (Embtel 97, February 24).1

1.
Whereas four Scandinavian countries were in close accord on economic questions, common viewpoints on political matters were more difficult to achieve and Norway stood alone on political issues discussed. (Andvord tended to omit Iceland in his comments but made general remark that “Icelandic Minister backed us upon all political issues”.)
2.
With reference endorsement Marshall Plan in communiqué all representatives agreed give fullest support ERP and recognized its importance to recovery and peace prospects. Representatives wished make endorsement even stronger in communiqué but drafting efforts failed find suitable language.
3.
All representatives were convinced of desirability of implementing previous proposals for joint economic cooperation committee. Norwegian representatives on committee will be named in near future. General opinion prevailed greatly increased economic cooperation not only desirable but also possible without arousing Soviet susceptibilities.
4.
Attitude meeting re Scandinavian or larger regional customs union remains cautious, Norway in particular fearing Danish agricultural produce and Swedish industrial goods. Establishment uniform Nordic customs tariff is considered first of many necessary steps [Page 31] toward customs union actual realization of which lies many years in future. Rasmussen2 urged Norwegians and Swedes send representatives rather than observers to Brussels customs union discussions. Norway now inclines believe it should like Denmark appoint representative and may do so in early future, but Sweden seems content with observer for present although later nomination of representative not impossible.
5.
Norwegians (backed by Icelanders) had hard time endeavoring persuade Swedes and Danes to modify their neutrality stand. Norwegian representatives who advocated more positive foreign policy and more definite alignment with west were “astonished” at tenacity with which not only Swedes but also Danes clung to idea of neutrality and desire to avoid any action or attitude which might involve Scandinavian countries in east-west struggle. Soviet reaction in Finland exercised considerable but not decisive influence on Swedish attitude: Undén3 also tried argue that since US is having difficulties with Soviet Russia in many spots in world, American interests would be best served by avoiding Soviet hostility in Scandinavian area. Andvord remarked: “Rasmussen seemed to soften a bit when we had him alone last night but when Undén is sitting there it is hopeless.”
6.
Bevin plan was discussed but no definite action taken or agreed attitude reached. All representatives, including Norwegians who were most favourably disposed, were dubious regarding exact direction Bevin plan might take and where direct participation might lead them pointing out possible steps as first political understanding, then defense commitment, next military consultations, and finally questions of military and air bases for US and Great Britain without any assurance how promptly and effectively those countries could provide adequate assistance. Andvord remarked that Norway might nevertheless eventually be disposed to go along. Scandinavian countries now disposed maintain attitude watchful waiting with continuing deliberation and speculation as to role they may play in eventual evolution of Bevin proposal.
7.
Conference agreed relations of Scandinavian countries with Franco Spain should tend toward normalization, particularly in economic field. Swedes and Danes argue that it is illogical for Scandinavian countries to maintain wholly antagonistic attitude to Franco when he is outstanding fighter against communism their own enemy. Norwegian representatives did not wholly accept this argument as Norway is strongly antagonistic to Franco regime but Norwegian Government contemplates further possible steps in normalization of [Page 32] trade relations with Spain. No change in diplomatic relations is expected. Andvord’s information regarding differences of opinion on political issues was given in strictest confidence and he particularly requested it be handled accordingly in view of unfortunate consequences in case Swedes or Danes should learn tenor his remarks.

Sent Department as 100; repeated Stockholm as 9, Copenhagen 17. Airmailed London, Paris, Moscow.

Bay
  1. Not printed. The conference was attended by the Foreign Ministers and Trade Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
  2. Gustav Rasmussen, Foreign Minister of Denmark.
  3. Östen Undén, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden.