File No. 600.119/205
The Swedish Commercial Delegate ( Lagercrantz) to the Secretary of State
Memorandum
We have been placed in a position to give the following information regarding Sweden’s requirements in tonnage:
During the year 1914 the tonnage used for Sweden’s import and export consisted of 51 per cent Swedish and 49 per cent foreign tonnage; during 1915 the corresponding figures were 48 per cent and 52 per cent. It should, however, be taken into account that about 18 per cent of the Swedish merchant marine then was occupied in foreign trade (outside of Sweden). Even if these 18 per cent could be used for Sweden’s account, it is evident from the figures above given that the requirements of the country could not be filled even by using the total Swedish tonnage.
Moreover, one has to take into consideration the fact that during the war the Swedish merchant marine has been diminished by accidents (through submarine warfare, etc.) as well as by sale of vessels to foreign countries, and also that a great part of the Swedish tonnage lies idle in foreign ports (mainly on account of lack of facilities from the British side).
[Page 1021]Considering these facts, it will be understood that Sweden’s import and export can not be handled by Swedish tonnage alone under now existing conditions, unless a considerable decrease in our foreign trade should take place; but even if such decrease should occur it would not be possible for the Swedish tonnage to satisfy Sweden’s absolute needs unless the British Government will make such facilities available so as to render it possible for the Swedish vessels now tied up in foreign ports to resume regular trade for Sweden’s account.
It is therefore of utmost importance to Sweden that the Swedish tonnage now in American and English ports be released.