859A.01/124
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Northern European Affairs (Cumming) to the Director of the Office of European Affairs (Dunn)
Mr. Dunn: On June 17, 1944 the full independence of Iceland will become a fact and an Icelandic Republic will be established. In my opinion, our present relations with Iceland due to the presence of our troops, et cetera, and our post-war interests, such as requests for naval and air bases in accordance with plans approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President, require that we take special notice of this occasion historic in Icelandic national life.
Mr. Morris1 is urgently needed in Iran, I am informed by Mr. Ailing,2 and should leave Iceland at the earliest possible moment in order to get on his way to Tehran.
I suggest that:
- (1)
- Mr. Louis G. Dreyfus arrange to be in Reykjavik at least a week or so prior to June 17.
- (2)
- We recommend to the President that Mr. Dreyfus be appointed Ambassador on Special Mission for the purpose of showing the Icelandic Government and people our appreciation of their entry into the family of nations as a fully sovereign and independent republic.
- (3)
- We arrange to have Mr. Dreyfus’ credentials as Minister to Iceland addressed to the President of Iceland and that these credentials not be presented by Mr. Dreyfus until the ceremonies on June 17 which will be held in the open air at the ancient meeting place of the Icelandic Althing and at which, the Icelandic Minister3 tells me, the Icelandic Government will wish the American Minister to make the principal address by a foreign diplomatic representative welcoming the establishment of the Icelandic Republic.
If you approve of the foregoing, I shall work out the necessary details in consultation with Protocol and other interested divisions.