Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Western Europe, Volume VII, Part 2

295. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Regional Organizations⁰

September 24, 1958, 4:11 p.m.

Topol 965. Poltos 677 and 672.¹ Secretary had talks with Lloyd and Gudmundsson in New York re Iceland fishing rights problem (memos of conversation being pouched above addressees).²

UK position appears to be that they remain ready and willing negotiate modus vivendi. There is however no indication they can agree any formula requiring explicit recognition unilateral Icelandic extension fishing limits. Though apparently anxious avoid incidents they feel they must continue challenge this by continuing send trawlers and protection vessels into disputed area. Icelanders position is that negotiation on anything short of acceptance Icelandic position is under present circumstances precluded by public reaction to incidents in disputed area and this would be case for some time even if no new incidents occur. Meanwhile Iceland committed to effort get UN settle issue by adopting general rule recognizing 12 mile fishing limit for all States in framework of agenda item on Law of Sea. British position is that GA should not consider substance this or other Law of Sea issues but should instead call for another Law of Sea conference.

Seems apparent under present circumstances there is virtually no prospect of fruitful negotiation in NATO on this issue until GA completes action on question second Law of Sea conference. FYI. US prefers avoid debate substantive issues at current GA session, but too early predict whether such issues will be successfully injected into discussion Law of Sea item. End FYI. Depending on GA results there may be further occasion try to work out modus vivendi in NATO framework.

Also seems apparent no useful purpose likely be served by Presidential letter on subject this time, but suggestion will be kept in mind if future developments warrant.

Meanwhile hope door can be left open for further NATO consideration this problem as developments permit.

You may in your discretion draw on foregoing in any discussions with IS or PermReps re this problem and question NATO role in its solution.

Dulles

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 740B.022/9–1258. Secret. Repeated to London, Reykjavik, and USUN.
1. Polto 672 from Paris, September 12, reported a suggestion by Stikker that President Eisenhower write to the President of Iceland emphasizing that in the interest of NATO further efforts should be made to reach an equitable solution to the fisheries dispute. (Ibid., 740B.022/9–1258) Polto 677 from Paris reported the discussion of the Icelandic fisheries problem at the North Atlantic Council meeting on September 12. The Council reviewed the respective positions and agreed to draft a report tracing the efforts to settle the dispute. (Ibid.)
2. The conversations took place on September 16 and 17, respectively, in New York where the Foreign Ministers were attending the 13th Session of the U.N. General Assembly. Copies of the memoranda of conversation (USDel/MC/7 and USDel/MC/12), both dated September 17, are ibid., Conference Files: Lot 63 D 123, CF 1107.