757.56/4–150: Telegram
The Chargé in Norway (Villard) to the Secretary of State
301. During visit to Oslo of General Lemnitzer1 on March 29 I attended meeting at Defense Ministry arranged by Norwegian authorities to afford opportunity for exchange of views on MDAP problems. In course of discussion General Hansteen, Commanding General, Norwegian Army, raised hypothetical question re US attitude toward exchange of military data between Norway and Sweden. Specifically Hansteen mentioned late model Swedish antitank mine details of which Swedes had apparently offered to Norway provided they could “get a look at” comparable American, military equipment. Hansteen wanted to know whether it would be proper to cooperate with Swedes on this basis.
General Lemnitzer stated question would have to be decided on its merits if raised officially but reminded Hansteen that Norway was obligated under terms of bilateral agreement not to divulge classified military information and that this was particularly applicable when country outside NAT was involved.
Hansteen remarked in this connection that despite fact Sweden was outside Atlantic Pact informal military cooperation was proceeding [Page 41] “under cover” between Norwegian and Swedish military authorities. While no official agreement existed or was contemplated Norwegian officers regularly visited Sweden and Swedish officers Norway in course of which military discussions of mutual interest naturally took place. He evidently regarded this exchange of visits as of definite value in formulating plans for defense of Norway.
Sent Department 301, pouched Stockholm.
- Gen. Lyman L. Lemnitzer, Director of the Office of Military Assistance in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Defense Department representative on the FMACC.↩