740.58112A/12–3044: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5 p.m.]
5296. Liquidation of Legation’s work on collection of information concerning Norwegian firms which have collaborated with enemy is being made in conformance with Department’s 2496, December 12, 6 p.m., 10369 to London.
With reference to Danish work, Danes were advised by British that we had approved policy requiring discontinuation of this work. Ebbe Munck has discussed this question with Legation in addition to submitting letter requesting us to continue our cooperation with him and with Torp-Pedersen of Danish Legation. Munck advises that in his recent trip to Denmark he discussed this project with members of the Danish Freedom Council and future Cabinet. All stated their approval of the work and the desire to have it continued.
Danish project as now organized involves preparation of forms on approximately 20,000 firms and persons on which information made available by Munck, Torp-Pedersen and Foss (now in Washington) is recorded. Munck during his recent trip arranged for information available in Denmark to be sent here by reason of inability of Danes under present conditions to correlate information. It is hope of Danes that copy of forms will be made available to them after liberation of Denmark.
In collecting information this Legation does not state its opinion but merely records information made available through Danish sources. Valuation of information will naturally rest with Danes after liberation their country. In view this special request by Danes for continuing this work, Legation suggests that for us to abandon project would initiate unfortunate comment among Danes in Denmark and Sweden which might affect our relations with Danes. Accordingly Legation recommends that Department reconsider, in light of Danish request, decision set forth its 2496. In view of eagerness of Danes to continue cooperation on active basis, Legation is anxious to advise them of decision as soon as possible.9 Legation has not advised British Legation of above facts.
My 1721, December 30, noon to London repeats this message.
- Department’s telegram 83, January 16, 1945, authorized the Minister in Sweden to continue the Danish project (740.58112A/12–3044).↩