File No. 711.5914/152
[Untitled]
Copenhagen, October 1, 1916, 2 p.m.
360. The Prime Minister, addressing the Lower House yesterday, said:
The object of reaching an early understanding in the sale of the West Indian Islands is not only a question of great financial importance, but what is more important the bringing about of better conditions on the islands; most of all our obligation to a great Power like the United States which has ratified the treaty and which should not be kept waiting longer for an answer from a small State.
Neergaard, President of the Parliamentary Committee to examine the question of the sale of the islands, addressed the members as follows:
It is strongly desired that the findings of the committee be submitted as early as possible. The time limit of six weeks is the maximum time but there is every reason to believe that we can complete the examination at an earlier date.
The new Ministers appointed without portfolios are J. C. Christensen, Left, who is now for the sale; Rottboll, Conservative, who I am informed, will likewise approve the sale, and Stauning, Socialist. The Socialists have hitherto declined to take the responsibility of the Cabinet representation.