859B.20/3–1248: Telegram
The Ambassador in Denmark (Marvel) to the Secretary of State
233. Foreign Minister expressed to me last evening his gratitude that no document on Greenland had been handed Kauffmann.1 He felt status of Greenland bases should remain as is, adding he had no intention of serving one year termination notice. He restated his view [Page 588] expressed my Top Secret despatch 48, Feb. 122 that facilities must be maintained.
He added if negotiations were undertaken later for permanent arrangement between US and Denmark he hoped such negotiations would be undertaken here with Hedtoft and him. This confirms my previously expressed view that Hedtoft, not Kauffmann, is key man. While Hedtoft has stated to me that permanent agreement as to bases could be worked out, last evening was first time Rasmussen has said to me it was his opinion new agreement could be reached.
Consequently it is my view no approach re Greenland bases be made at present. It may be advisable for me to return for consultation in order to be prepared to take immediate advantage of any turn of events which would make time propitious to approach Danes for new and permanent agreement.
- Although no document was officially presented, the Department informally showed Ambassador Kauffmann on February 12 a new draft agreement designed to provide long-term U.S. defense rights in Greenland as desired by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Kauffmann discussed the paper in the several informal interviews with John D. Hickerson, Director of the Office of European Affairs, to whom he expressed the opinion that under existing circumstances the Danish Government would not approve this or any other Greenland agreement. The Ambassador was asked not to forward the draft to Copenhagen. (Memorandum by the Acting Chief of the Division of Northern European Affairs, Benjamin Hulley, to John Hickerson, March 11, 1948; 859B.20/3–1148. A copy of the draft agreement is in Department of State file 859B.20/2–348.)↩
- Not printed.↩