859B.20/7–2547: Telegram
The Ambassador in Denmark (Marvel) to the Secretary of State
510. At dinner last evening attended by Prime Minister, Minister Federspiel1 and myself, Prime Minister confirmed Govt’s policy of “Going slow” regarding Greenland (see my Top Secret telegram 494, July 22). Conversation lasted more than three hours, was most informal, and covered wide variety subjects but Prime Minister emphasized his interest in South Slesvig problem.
To my surprise he asked point blank whether a permanent arrangement regarding Greenland could not be tied into US active interest in South Slesvig problem (see my Top Secret telegram 348, May 24) pointing out both situations had common factor of defense of respective countries. I informed such proposal involved difficulties and added that [sic] the situation eight months hence, during which time the Marshall Plan would develop, the Foreign Ministers Conference in November [Page 676] would be held, and perhaps the world situation would be sufficiently clear for Denmark to come out more in siding with Western powers and that then a permanent arrangement regarding Greenland could be concluded. The Prime Minister stated all political parties with exception of Communists had strong and natural feeling for America and he believed tangible actions confirming this view would increase in future but that all-out expression of this view by Denmark was retarded by caution of Norwegians and more particularly Swedes.
As to local political situation he admitted attempt would be made to force elections in fall. He could not forecast now whether such attempt would be successful. In passing he noted that British Embassy here was taking more active interest with Socialists and remarked that currying favor with Socialists appeared to be present British program throughout Europe. I agreed with him that contact between British officials here and Danish Socialists had shown marked increase recently. The Prime Minister thought that while the Social[ist?] political power here would remain about the same it would suffer a setback in Sweden in the next election.
- Per Federspiel, Danish Minister for Special Affairs.↩