840.20/2–149: Telegram
The Ambassador in Norway (Bay) to the Secretary of State
68. At my request Foreign Minister invited me Foreign Office this p. m. Also present were British Ambassador Collier and Secretary General Skylstad. Lange handed us text Norwegian answer Soviet note January 29 scheduled release press tomorrow morning (Embtel 69, February 11). Russian note he volunteered had incited resentment [Page 61] Norwegian Government. Lange stated Norwegian Ambassador London, Prebensen, will call British Foreign Office while Morgenstierne2 scheduled arrive Washington February 6, will request meeting Secretary State February 7 to make full report Scandinavian meetings ending in disagreement Oslo January 30.
Referring specifically paragraph 5 of reply,3 Lange says Morgenstierne and Prebensen will request fuller explanation basic concept Atlantic Pact including extent of area covered, reciprocal obligations and such additional information as Norwegian Foreign Office believes required for full Storting discussions prior reaching decision whether accept invitation join Pact. Lange elaborated orally on paragraph 6, stating although Government opposed to providing bases in Norway to any foreign government, it would nevertheless be consistent with Norwegian policy enter into discussions of and preparation for defense against possible attack. Norway prepared initiate conferences near future western powers primarily US to plan military stategy and defense. Morgenstierne will therefore ask Secretary of State how much and how soon US military aid to Norway forthcoming under Pact.
Lange explained rock on which Oslo meeting foundered was Norway’s determination remain free initiate and pursue military discussions at any and all times. Sweden obdurately negative this point. Lange expressed appreciation Deptel 36 January 28,4 stating this proved most helpful in buttressing final Norwegian stand.
Lange admitted Labor Party split but not sufficiently to block favorable Storting vote on pact. Asked whether Soviet note would accentuate party division, Lange replied note would strengthen dissent by still undisillusioned believers in Soviet social system. Together with die-hard supporters, Scandinavian neutrality and those possibly influenced by Danish decision (see below) number dissenters would be further increased. Government particularly concerned these defections in election year.
Lange now extremely doubtful Danes will join Atlantic Pact. Danish delegation informs Lange joining would split Government Social Democratic Party through middle and Government probably unwilling risk such split.
[Page 62]Asked whether Swedes might change minds later, Lange considered this impossible. Swedish delegation confirmed their neutrality based on strategic considerations since Sweden considers itself ideologically and economically lined [linked?] to west.
Questioned on Morgenstierne opinion expressed Department Norway not likely oppose inclusion Italy Atlantic Pact Lange expressed contrary view contending Norway views Mediterranean not integral part North Atlantic.
Sent Department 68, pouched Stockholm, Copenhagen, Moscow.
- The Norwegian answer, dated February 1, is quoted in telegram No. 69, not printed; but see p. 91.↩
- Wilhelm Munthe de Morgenstierne, Ambassador of Norway in the United States.↩
- Paragraph 5 of the Norwegian reply concerned the question of how Norway’s geographic location and maritime interests might qualify her for membership in a North Atlantic security system. (840.20/2–149)↩
- Telegram No. 36 described as “completely erroneous” a press report that had disturbed the Embassy in Norway. The telegram closed with the words: “Only ulterior motives can account for such reports in face of Pres’s categoric statement in Inaugural Address that ‘we will provide military advice and equipment to free nations which will cooperate with us in maintenance of peace and security’.” (840.20/1–2749)↩