859B.01/178a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Godthaab ( Penfield ), Then on Board U. S. Coast Guard Cutter “Comanche”

1. The Canadian Government continues to be concerned over the possibility that the cryolite mine at Ivigtut might be put out of commission by a raiding force. We have agreed in principle to the specific Canadian suggestion that the local authorities in Greenland mount and man a gun or guns together with suitable fire control and range-finding apparatus at the mouth of the harbor at Ivigtut. The gun and equipment might be purchased from the United States or Canada and the gun crew recruited in Greenland from Danes and Greenlanders who have had naval experience.

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While we are keeping in close touch with the Canadian Government and exchanging with them information regarding Greenland, we believe that it would be preferable if the Greenland authorities should make their request for assistance and advice in connection with plans for the defense of Ivigtut to the United States Government rather than to the Canadian Government. The Navy Department is now drawing up a minimum defense project for Ivigtut and we are trying to work out a procedure which would permit the sale of guns and equipment to the Greenland authorities at a nominal figure if we should be requested by them to do so. The foregoing is for the present for your information only as we do not wish you to discuss the matter with the Greenland authorities until you arrive at Godthaab and we are able to establish confidential communication with you and through you with the Greenland authorities.

We hope that during your stay at Ivigtut you will establish contact with the local authorities and the officials of the cryolite company and make so far as is possible recommendations based on your examination on the spot with regard to the minimum defense needs of Ivigtut against attack by a raider or a submarine. The Commanding Officer of the Comanche may be able to give you technical assistance in this connection. Information is also desired regarding plans for the future movements of the two Danish government vessels now at Julianehaab and whether their crews have had naval training.

Your stay in Ivigtut should be as brief as possible consistent with the foregoing instructions, as we are anxious to have you in direct communication with the authorities at Godthaab at an early date.

Hull