Minister Swenson to the Secretary of State
Copenhagen, May 4, 1900.
Sir: Yesterday I had an interview with the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Schested, in regard to continuing the negotiations for the cession of the Danish West Indies to the United States. He stated that he had not yet familiarized himself sufficiently with the subject to define his attitude definitely, but that he had already taken up the matter with a view of obtaining the necessary information for intelligent and businesslike action on the proposed convention. He admitted that he had at first been opposed to the sale of the islands on “lyrical grounds,” but that a closer study of the conditions prevailing in these possessions had modified his views, and that sentiment would not influence him in dealing officially with the question. The agitation against the transfer had made more of an impression than he had looked for; but he thought that much of the opposition, which was largely the result of misrepresentations and lack of information, would disappear when the facts in the case became generally known. He had no knowledge of what action, if any, the Finance Committees of the Rigsdag had taken in the matter. [Page 472] See my No. 158, of March 17, 1900. He added that as a matter of etiquette he should ascertain if the King had any desire to have the negotiations discontinued. * * * The public press has aired the fact that certain adventurers who have posed as official agents in this matter have been actuated only by selfish motives of pecuniary gain. Some of the members of the Rigsdag have had communication with these persons. In consequence, expressions are frequently heard to the effect that the honor and good name of the Danish Government and people have been compromised by disreputable persons who for the sake of notoriety and plunder have advertised to the world that the bankrupt Danish West Indies are on the market to be knocked down to the highest bidder, etc.
I have [etc.]