361.11/3729: Telegram
The Minister in Norway (Schmedeman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:49 p.m.]
21. Dr. Nansen has received the following from Moscow.
“May 15th. Answering your wireless message of May 13th are [we] to understand that the detention of American citizens in Russia is the only hindrance to the resumption of trade and de facto relations between Russia and the United States of America.”
He wishes to reply personally and not on behalf of the Government of the United States that such detention is not the only hindrance but is a very serious one and that he fears if continued it will make the situation much worse. Before sending this he wishes assurances of your approval but believes his reply should be sent at the earliest possible moment.