Telegram from H. Freeman Matthews to Secretary of State George Marshall

INCOMING TELEGRAM DEPARTMENT OF STATE-DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS TELEGRAPH BRANCH 9 PLAIN Action: EUR Info: Control 1416 SS C P Rec'd Nov. 4, 1948 SAM 2:10 p.m. OLI FROM: Stockholm CIA POS TO: Secretary of State PA DCR NO: 1237, November 4 Abundant Swedish press comments hail President Truman's reclection as guarantee of continuity in American foreign policy including continued economic aid to Europe and early inplementation of North Atlantic Pact which is no longer impeded by uncertainty about American domestic politics .Republican defeat interpreted as indication that isolationism will find it still more difficult to reappear to influence American policy and Democratic majority in Congress believed ensure pursuance of Hull Roosevelt trade policy. Press expresses satis- faction that fears lest lame duck season" cripple administration's activity in international field now dispelled by Truman's contimuance in office and believes Democratic victory will strengthen President's position permitting him to push party tactics definitely into background. Seni official MORGON TIDNINGEN writes that Truman victory should strengthen Democratic countries solidarity with and confidence in USA. DAGENS NYHETER says setback for Wallace is confirmation that policy of concession toward Russia has lost its appeal to Americans and SVENSKA DAGBLADET adds Moscow given convincing evidence that its propaganda finds no fertile soil in America. Speculations about reasons for election outcome which came as great surprise to Swedes dwell mainly on theory that American labor movement turned scales by its organized support of Truman and Taft Hartley Act in this connection regarded PLAIN INFORMATION COPY