Office of the Historian

857D.00/1–2849: Telegram

The Ambassador in Norway (Bay) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority
Oslo, January 28, 1949—4 p. m.

51. British Ambassador yesterday gave member my staff impressions confided by Skylstad, Secretary General Foreign Office, on Copenhagen Conference. Skylstad did not attend conference, but reflects Foreign Office information.

1.
Discussions never got around to terms of possible Scandinavian alliance, but centered on proposal to ask US whether Nordic group could be furnished military aid without joining Atlantic Pact. Swedes so difficult even on this subject, that Lange observed no serious business could be transacted with them. This attitude on part Sweden believed largely motivated by Soviet displeasure any Scandinavian arrangement carrying link with West.
2.
Norwegians greatly annoyed by Danes vacillation and lack of positive attitude. Skylstad thought in last analysis however, Denmark would join Atlantic Pact.
3.
Even if Scandinavian alliance had been discussed, Swedish proposals would have been unacceptable to Norway. Defense talks recently concluded showed Swedes wished dominate management merely using Denmark, Norway as instruments Swedish policy. For example Swedes would be in charge military, naval and air forces; military equipment would be standardized on Swedish lines, and Bofors would furnish arms for all by greatly expanded production with US funds.
4.
General feeling of Norwegians was Oslo discussions, commencing today, would be futile, but game must be played out to end.

Collier is recommending to his government invitation join Atlantic Pact be issued Norway immediately after expected failure Oslo conference.

Sent Department 51; repeated Copenhagen 8, Stockholm 7.

Bay