The following open communication, addressed to the inhabitants of
the Danish West Indies, was published a few days ago in St.
Thomas, St. Croix and St. Jan.
We, Christian the Tenth, King of Denmark, etc., extend our
Royal Greetings to our dear and loyal citizens of St.
Thomas, St. Croix and St. Jan.
Being convinced that the Islands will have a better prospect
for developing their interests under the United States, We
have, with the consent of Parliament, concluded a convention
with the President of the United States, concerning the
cession of the islands to the afore-mentioned States.
We have made a point of securing for you, through exact and
specified rules—which are contained in the
convention—protection in the exercise of your freedom,
religion, property and other rights. You are at liberty to
remain upon or leave the islands at any time. In either case
you will maintain your rights of possession, and have the
right to sell or dispose of any property you may own, or the
proceeds thereof. If you remain on the islands you will
continue, until otherwise concluded, to enjoy all such
private rights as are provided by the present laws, and in
case the present laws are changed, such change will cause no
retrogression in the aforenamed rights or freedom. Those who
remain on the islands have the right to preserve their
Danish citizenship. This should be done by making a
declaration before the Court of Record within the expiration
of one year after the ratification of the treaty, (January
17, 1917) to the effect that you desire to preserve your
relation to Denmark. The parents or guardians of children
under eighteen years should make the declaration on the
latter’s behalf.
The decision about such citizenship, however, will constitute
no hindrance, after the expiration of the above-named time
limit, for giving up your Danish citizenship and becoming a
citizen of the United States on such conditions as may have
been prescribed to other inhabitants of the islands in
accordance with the laws of the United States.
While parting with you, We express the hope that you will bear in
kind memory the centuries during which Denmark was your mother
country. We express to you Our Royal Gratitude for the loyalty
and sincerity you have shown us and the population of Denmark,
and extend to you the best wishes for a happy and prosperous
future.
