File No. 033.5711/12
The Norwegian Minister ( Bryn) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 20.]
My Dear Mr. Secretary of State: The Norwegian Government is desirous of sending Dr. Fridtjof Nansen to this country in the capacity of “Ministre Plénipotentiaire en mission special” for the purpose of negotiating with the United States Government with a view to securing for Norway the necessary importation of necessities, especially food, from this country.
In consequence of this I have the honour to ask if it would be entirely agreeable to the United States Government to receive Mr. Nansen in the said capacity.
I beg to add that Mr. Nansen who is now a professor at the University of Christiania, was formerly Norwegian Minister in London. He is well known as an arctic explorer.
I should be thankful for a reply at the earliest convenience as there is a sailing opportunity for Mr. Nansen on the 24th instant.
Believe me [etc.]