File No. 711.5914/185
Minister Egan to the Secretary of State
Copenhagen, January 5, 1917, 6 p.m.
411. I am requested to send the essential part of an interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs today. In Article 4, of the Convention of August 4th, 1916, respecting the cession of the Danish West Indies Islands, the Government of the United States has reserved to itself the right of immediate possession after the exchange ratification. The Danish Government is desirous that the matter should be settled as quickly as circumstances will permit. This wish on the part of the Danish Government is especially prompted by their desire to recall the cruiser Valkyrien from the islands.
If the formal delivery of the islands could thus be accelerated, it would present the advantage that the captain of the cruiser in his capacity of acting governor could perform the official act of delivery.
Further the Minister for Foreign Affairs requested me to say that King Christain X, moved by a petition from the people of the Danish West Indies asking him to use his good offices to prevent the islands being placed under Government of Porto Rico, has expressed the hope that the wishes of the inhabitants might be considered if such procedure be in accordance with the policy of the United States.