857.24/4–948: Telegram
The Ambassador in Norway (Bay) to the Secretary of State
224. Foreign Minister Lange today sketched for me Norway’s deplorable condition arms and matériel stores. Germans had consumed or destroyed previous reserves matériel prior to liberation. Since then [Page 81] due to requirements reconstruction and particularly foreign exchange shortage Norway unable replenish matériel reserves. Present position worse than normal peacetime.
Lange confirmed my understanding Norway’s defense department preparing list of matériel urgently needed in any emergency. Lange asked whether US considering program of arms distribution to European free nations on basis lend lease or otherwise. I told him I was uninformed but my belief that if US finds itself position to supply matériel such action will undoubtedly be on overall basis and to countries determined to defend selves (see Depintel April 6).1
Replying my further question Lange stated Norway more firm than ever to resist invitation from Soviets along either stronger or weaker lines than recently concluded Finnish pact.
Replying further Lange feels while Norway would hesitate some time to openly join Brussels pact without Denmark and Sweden jointly nevertheless if faced with emergency Norway would go with west alone. Asked his opinion present attitude Sweden Denmark Lange stated belief little change in Sweden and that Denmark while hesitating is moving right direction.
Lange unfolded philosophy of large number Norwegians that in view present uncertainty military help from US and Great Britain increasing armaments in Norway merely gesture since in emergency any counteroffensive by Norway would probably be directed from points outside Norway.
Lange believes Soviets regard Norway as first prize in Scandinavia with available open areas Finnmark for invasion and strategic position Stavanger area including Sola airport as springboard for west.
I asked Lange whether he believes Norway’s present show of hesitation to join western European group would influence Russia favorably toward Norway in case of war. He believed under such condition Norway would receive scant consideration from Russia. On other hand he believes no immediate practical advantage openly joining western group in absence defense guarantee from west. Also desirous obtain greatest degree Scandinavian unity which might develop in near future.
My final impression Lange will avoid joining western group pending obvious security advantage. Whenever emergency arises will strike alone for shore if Denmark or Sweden procrastinate and remain aboard obviously sinking ship. Doubtful about Sweden but feels Denmark would likely follow Norway’s lead under such conditions.
Sent Department 224, airmailed Copenhagen, Stockholm.
- Not found in Department of State files.↩