840.20/1–549: Telegram
The Ambassador in Norway (Bay) to the Acting Secretary of State
4. Secretary General Foreign Office confirms meeting today and tomorrow between Prime, Foreign and Defense Ministers Norway, Sweden, Denmark to discuss Danish Swedish position regarding national [Page 7] pact (Deptel 3, January 4 [3]1). Meeting taking place small town in Sweden near Norwegian frontier total 9 persons no secretarial staff.
Lange’s2 decision to call meeting appears to have been motivated by imminence Washington talks at which decision would be taken whether to invite Norway become charter member of pact. This required clear-cut understanding by Norway where Denmark Sweden stood. While resulting showdown may be somewhat premature in view fact that Scandinavian defense talks not yet terminated it is nevertheless pertinent to latter subject also. Defense meeting in Oslo next week will be largely for purpose drafting final report and little doubt remains regarding verdict on this score.
If invitation is extended Norway to join Atlantic Pact discussions in Washington probably Lange will attend personally.
Sent Department 4, pouched Copenhagen, Stockholm.