Minister Swenson to the Secretary of State
Copenhagen, June 2, 1902.
Sir: In a note dated the 28th ultimo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs informs me that on the previous day the King gave his formal consent to the extension for one year of the period for ratification of the treaty for the cession of the Danish West Indies to the United States; and that the Danish Minister at Washington would be authorized to sign the necessary protocol for that purpose without delay. I had two interviews with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, on May 28th and 29th, regarding the proposed prolongation. He called attention to the fact that, under the provisions of the treaty, the United States agrees to pay the stipulated five million dollars within ninety days from the date of the exchange of ratifications; but that the cession with the right of immediate possession is to be deemed complete on the exchange of ratifications. The enemies of the treaty in the Rigsdag had, he said, criticized this provision, asserting that it would enable the United States Government to take possession of the islands and then refuse to pay the purchasing sum. He asked if I thought my Government would have any objection to paying the consideration before it took possession, and to altering the convention to that effect.
He intended to submit such proposal through Mr. Brun; and would not instruct him to sign the protocol of extension before he had ascertained whether the Government of the United States would accept the desired amendment.
I replied that a reopening of the negotiations would give rise to complications; and urged upon him the desirability of cabling Mr. Brun authority to sign a protocol, in view of the fact that the Senate might adjourn before long. Incidentally I called attention to that part of the treaty reading: “Formal delivery of the territory and property ceded as aforesaid shall be made immediately after the payment by the United States, etc.”
I hoped that the enemies of the treaty would not question the public honor of the United States; and I suggested that it might be construed as an endorsement of their views and a confession of lack of foresight on the part of the minority to revise the treaty in accordance with the wishes of its opponents. His excellency seemed to consider my points well taken; and decided to cable Mr. Brun at once.
[Page 538]He requested me, however, to advise you of the above criticism, and to ascertain if you could not give a written assurance that the United States Government would not take possession of the island before the five million dollars should have been paid.
I have [etc.]