859.00/9–1947: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Denmark
596. Dept appreciates interest and friendly attitude shown by Hedtoft (urtel 634, Sep 191) and appreciates also importance placing our point of view adequately before Parliamentary leader his standing. We believe, however, that this should be done orally as occasion offers and not in manner which he or his opponents could describe as supplying him with material for his use in coming political campaign.
Our thinking re Green problem, as you are aware, is based following points: (1) adequate defense installations in Green continue to be essential to peace and security of Western Hemisphere; (2) as cost of such installations is prohibitive for Den, US is prepared to undertake together with Den responsibility of defending Green and to assume necessary expenses; (3) US entirely willing in cooperation with Den to place defense installations at disposal of UN on request of [Page 677] Security Council; (4) as long as US has obligation to maintain control agencies in Ger, airports in Green constitute a necessary link in our communications with Ger; (5) a chain of weather and other navigational aid stations on Green is essential for safety above communications and international sea and air traffic over wide area; (6) US will continue recognize unqualified Dan sovereignty throughout Green and respect all Dan interests there. In reply to allegations that existence US defense installations in Green would constitute an invasion Dan sovereignty, it may be pointed out that Brit with its comparatively large resources has not feared for sovereignty Brit areas in Western Hemisphere which US is defending under 99-year leases.
Above viewpoints may be advanced informally to other Dan officials in your discretion as opportunities arise.
- Not printed; it reported that Ambassador Marvel had a conversation on September 19 with Hans Hedtoft, leader of the Danish Social Democratic Party, who expected to head the new government following Danish national elections in the autumn. Hedtoft thought his government would be able successfully to steer through the Danish Parliament an agreement with the United States under which American bases would be established in Greenland so long as American forces remained in occupation in Germany (863.00/9–1947).↩