File No. 763.72/7788
The Minister in Norway ( Schmedeman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10.20 p.m.]
386. Pursuant to my telegram No. 382, November 16, reporting meeting of Scandinavian Kings. About ten days ago Swedish Minister here came from Stockholm to Christiania and informed the King of Norway of the desire of the King of Sweden to visit him. Upon learning this Danish Minister here informed his Government and the King of Denmark immediately proposed to come at the same time. It is not improbable, however, that the meeting had been suggested during the recent visit of the King of Sweden to Copenhagen.
According to information which I consider absolutely reliable it is anticipated that subjects to be discussed at the meeting on the 28th will be the following: an endeavor on the part of Sweden to secure support of the other two countries with a view to obtaining control of the Aland Islands; the attitude of European neutrals in [Page 1071] regard to future peace proposals on the part of Central powers (there has been considerable peace talk here recently which apparently has its origin in Stockholm); strengthening of Scandinavian cooperation with a view to resisting Allied pressure in regard to import and export situation.
Visit of the King of Sweden here for the first time since the separation in 1905 must be considered a very important political event.
[For further definition of the President’s attitude toward the proposed demand for total cessation of Norway’s exports to Germany, see the telegrams to the Special Representative, November 19, 1917, and to the Ambassador in Great Britain, November 20, ante, page 986.]