859B.20/5–2347: Telegram
The Ambassador in Denmark (Marvel) to the Secretary of State
347. In lengthy conversation at his request with Prime Minister1 today Communist resolution (Embtel 344, May 222) among other subjects was discussed. Prime Minister informed me major parties had indicated support of his or similar resolution. Consequently his Party would be obligated to do likewise. While he felt resolution was Moscow-directed he believed neutral position of Denmark must be maintained. Illness of Foreign Minister and recess of Parliament May 30 might delay Parliamentary action but Prime Minister of opinion some type [Page 661] resolution would be passed by Parliament within next week. He stated when such resolution adopted he would do all in his power to have Government move as slowly as possible in carrying out purport of resolution.3
- Knud Kristensen.↩
- Not printed; it reported that the Danish Communists intended to introduce in the Folketing (Parliament) a resolution asking the Government to seek a termination of the Greenland Defense Agreement (859B.20/5–2247). Such a resolution was introduced in the Folketing on May 29. The resolution was, however, withdrawn after Prime Minister Kristensen made a statement of the Government’s intention to bring ‘about the termination of the Agreement.↩
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Telegram 354, May 28, from Copenhagen, not printed, commented as follows regarding the position of the Prime Minister:
↩“Prime Minister’s attitude continues consistently pro-American; but he is faced with lack of majority votes in Parliament; strict adherence to party discipline by each party; and fact each party’s action is motivated by local political advantage. It is not acquiescence to Communist attitude but realistic approach to his own political survival which he will not risk by voting against such resolution when by later directing non action thereon he can effectively show his true feelings.” (859B.20/5–2847)