740.00112 European War 1939/9001: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:49 p.m.]
2367. I learned from Söderblom today in strictest confidence that Swedish Government has this week informed German Government both through Legation here and through Swedish Legation in Berlin that Swedish Government can no longer permit transit traffic of troops and material to and from Norway. No specific date for cessation of traffic was set.
When this information was given to a representative of German Legation here at Foreign Office, German representative made no comment [Page 794] other than to say that it was a matter of most serious import and must naturally be referred directly to attention of Fuehrer. Söderblom says there are three possible reactions: (1) Early bombing and attack on Sweden, (2) sharp reprisals and blockade, and (3) Germans will accept it quietly to avoid as much notoriety as possible as matter of prestige. Söderblom while profoundly hopeful there will be no attack on Sweden, more particularly a bombing attack, does not feel sure that there will not be. From reasonable point of view third of alternatives would be best for Germans’ own interests. As Hitler is not a reasonable person however, he may out of spite take some violent action. If he does not Söderblom is disposed to feel that third alternative is most likely.
It is probable that Foreign Minister will have press conference on Monday, August 2nd, and give background to press but not for publication for a week or two. Foreign Office is particularly anxious that nothing leak out about this before publication. In addition to informing this Legation Söderblom has informed British Chargé d’Affaires in sense of first paragraph of this telegram.