October 20, 1976
Cable, Cornell, Swedish Embassy, Pyongyang, to the Cabinet, Stockholm
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UTRIKESDEPARTEMENTET [Ministry for Foreign Affairs]
Eb | Matter:
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CAB S. ASS CAB. S CHIEF OF POLICE POL I | Measure: (see the rules on form copy) Pol I, ds Hirdman, ep 10/20/1976 relex t. Peking C 53 XKO/[illegible] R 20/XKO |
Swedish [Embassy] Pyongyang
1976-10-20
Cabinet Stockholm
VERY URGENT for the Chief of Police.
First: Late Tuesday night, [I] was called to the [North Korean] Deputy Foreign Minister who:
(a) clearly distanced himself from the illegal actions carried out by the embassy officials [in Stockholm] that would be severely punished;
(b) regretted the sudden decisions taken by Copenhagen and Oslo for the deportation [of North Korean officials]. Such decisions were not preceded by consultations;
(c) now wanted to arrange consultations with us, that were due according to news agencies. It seemed like a united Nordic campaign aimed at North Korea. If the same thing happened in Stockholm, it would have serious repercussions on relations [between North Korea and Sweden]. The position of the ambassador is sensitive and the expulsion is equivalent to terminating diplomatic relations.
Second: The North Koreans are clearly eager to find a face saving formula and obviously ask us to let mercy take precedence over the ambassador. The force of their veiled threat to terminate relations is difficult to judge. May I suggest for consideration the possibility of immediate action with the subordinates while waiting [to act] on the Ambassador, but let him understand that he should travel [out of Sweden] voluntarily. In that case, we should not have to evacuate [the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang]. The Deputy Minister intends to call the Ambassador shortly. Unfortunately, the existence of Pyongyang Embassy was well-motivated by the planned arrival of some 50 assemblers and continued debt recovery, etc.
Third: At Danish cement factory building F.L. Smith, there is the Swede, Meyer, with wife and three children.
[Erik] Cornell
[Illegible signature]
Swedish Charge D'Affairs in Pyongyang Erik Cornell reports, after a conversation with the country's Deputy Foreign Ministe, that the North Korean government is distancing itself from its diplomats' smuggling and resents the unilateral decisions taken in Copenhagen and Oslo to expel North Korean diplomats. Cornell also notes the vulnerable position of the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang and urges caution.
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