File No. 657.119/168
The Minister in Norway ( Schmedeman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11.34 p.m.]
413. I have no information indicating that Norwegian Government is making any special effort to expedite favorable consideration of War Trade Board’s proposal of November 271 to Nansen. My impression is that peace rumors are responsible for this attitude to a great extent. In the same way certain section of the press is beginning to publish articles criticising our attitude in stopping exports pending conclusion of negotiations as incompatible principles of justice and unfair to Norway. This view is not held in all quarters but seems to be becoming more common. As indicated in previous reports to the Department such a development has seemed very likely to take place but can not have a determining effect in overcoming growing difficulties here due to increasing lack of food and raw material. When the pressure becomes more severe and hopes of early peace prove illusory a more reasonable attitude on the part of Norway towards our proposals is sure to be assumed.
My British colleague intimated fearful of the consequences of early resumption of export to the enemy which may begin as a result of denunciation of British-Norwegian trade agreements and has urged upon his Government expediency of setting a time limit for acceptance by Norway of our proposal to Nansen. I concur in the recommendation but not for the same reasons, as my opinion still is that such resumption of export to the enemy would not be tolerated for any length of time by people of this country and even if it should be no relief of local shortage would result. I strongly recommend however that a time limit be set for acceptance.
If at any time negotiations indicate probability of conclusion of an agreement on the basis of War Trade Board’s proposal I venture to suggest that the Department before final decision inform me of the contemplated terms of such agreement in detail in order to afford opportunity for suggestions made with knowledge of local conditions here. Such final agreement must include safeguards concerning which the Legation should be able to make pertinent observations. Embassy at London informed by telegraph.