859B.20/5–2447: Telegram

The Ambassador in Denmark ( Marvel ) to the Secretary of State
top secret

348. Mytel 347 May 23. Purpose of conversation Prime Minister stated by him to discuss general problems. He emphasized his position re So[uth] Slesvig pointing out most important problem there was one of refugees, noting in that area largest concentration of refugees in Germany in relation to indigenous population. Removal of these, immediate separation governmentally from Holstein, and ultimate plebiscite are his aims. He believes Germany has good chance of becoming Communistic and without adoption his plan, Communism, with greatly increased population, would beat Denmark’s door and infiltration easily accomplished. He accordingly seeks US aid in writing these aims into peace treaty. He strongly reiterated his hatred of Communism and his belief in western democracies. While stating this was view of govt and majority of people, he pointed out he must maintain for Denmark neutral outward appearance.

I am of opinion (mytel 858, TopSec October 28, 19461) he would be receptive to arrangement whereby Greenland treaty termination would be delayed pending US active interest in So[uth] Slesvig evidenced by inquiry from Deputy Foreign Minister addressed to Danish Govt for clear cut Danish position re So[uth] Slesvig. He of course is unaware of this opinion and I hesitate to recommend such course of action. I am however satisfied he will successfully meet all immediate local political maneuvers and he and his govt will remain in office barring unexpected crisis until 1949 elections. Consequently sympathetic understanding and some outward recognition of So[uth] Slesvig [Page 662] problem by US, particularly by US Deputy Minister,2 will go far in slowing down active affirmative action for 1941 treaty termination on party.[part?] of present govt. This to me would be more advisable approach than attempt to make deal which in effect would be interference in local affairs, as to make it stick would require similar arrangement with other non-Communist parties.

While Prime Minister has already given word he will drag feet on treaty termination, our showing of interest in So[uth] Slesvig will aid him immeasurably in carrying out promise. If Department sees merit in such approach it might be advisable for me to proceed Berlin and discuss situation with Murphy. Such discussion would be helpful in any event as background for future conversations with Prime Minister which at his suggestion yesterday will take place frequently.3

Conference which lasted one hour and half otherwise related to mytel 347, May 23 and local political situation.

Marvel
  1. Not printed.
  2. The reference here is presumably to the United States Deputy for Germany of the Council of Foreign Ministers. The Deputies for Germany met in London, January 14–February 25, 1947, to hear the views of the governments of neighboring Allied States and of other Allied States which participated in the common struggle against Germany which wished to present their views on the German problem. Denmark was one of those states presenting its views to the Deputies. Summaries of the views of the Danish Government on the German problem, including the South Schleswig question, were included in the Report by the Deputies for Germany to the Council of Foreign Ministers, February 25, 1947, vol. ii. p. 40.
  3. Telegram 314, May 27, to Copenhagen, replied to Ambassador Marvel’s proposal as follows:

    “We appreciate PriMin’s personal interest Slesvig but while benevolently disposed toward this and other Dan aims most important Green question not be allowed become linked with any other including Slesvig. To do so would introduce factors Green situation beyond our control unnecessarily complicating question which must be settled on own merits without relating it to quid pro quo which might prove impossible deliver.” (859B.20/5–2447)