859A.00/108: Telegram
The Chargé in Iceland ( Warner ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:02 p.m.]
470. Legation’s 463, September 8, 4 p.m. Parliament passed the Government bill yesterday evening and is scheduled to adjourn this evening. The present Government is to remain in office until after the general elections which have been fixed for October 18 and 19.
The Prime Minister handed me a note this noon in reply to the Legation’s note of August 2023 (Legation’s telegram No. 429, August 2022). [Page 20] His note repeats in confirmation the Department’s observation that in normal times the abrogation of the Union and establishment of a republic would be matters to be decided by the Icelandic people in accordance with their needs and aspirations and continues by saying that Parliament and the Government have decided to postpone for the present, formal abrogation of the Union and the proposed change to a republic and instead have provided measures for effecting these matters “whenever considered opportune”.
The Prime Minister orally stated that the steps taken by him to bring about the postponement of definite action on the independence question would be detrimental to his party in the coming elections and have caused many difficulties for him within his party. The Progressives have taken advantage of his embarrassing situation and for political ends have made bitter personal attacks on him although they are well aware of the reasons for his action.
Since the Prime Minister was obliged to show his memorandum of August 8 and the Legation’s note of August 20 to all members of Parliament he inquires whether the Department will authorize him to publish these communications. He believes that such publication would put an end to current erroneous conjectures and rumors and would be in keeping with the “friendly spirit” which lies behind the United States Government’s observations. The Legation believes that the publication of the communications would be desirable insofar as local reactions are concerned. The Prime Minister would appreciate a prompt reply in view of the current situation.