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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to the Office of Naval Intelligence

30 November 1917   

From: V A Sims

To: O N I

     Telegram just received from Breckinridge1 comma Christiana,2 royal conference here will probably discuss following subjects BALTIC situation as affecting Sweden procuring Aland Island3 and closer relations with Finland. Common policies along certain lines hindering independent Norwegian action. Developing Inter-Scandinavian trade<,> Insistence upon Norway employing force to hinder seizure of naval base by Allies and Denmark and Sweden assisting. Joint statement calling upon neutrals to assist peace period.Entire conference probably suggested through enemy channels. 22230.

          SIMS.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: Third Assistant Secretary of State Breckinridge Long.

Footnote 2: Present-day Oslo, Norway.

Footnote 3: The largest of the Aland Islands, located in the Baltic Sea.  The islands were occupied by Russia early in World War I, and later seized by Germany in March 1918. Today, they are an autonomous region of Finland.

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