859.20/3–2448: Telegram
The Ambassador in Denmark (Marvel) to the Secretary of State
275. Foreign Minister sent for me last evening and openly disclosed acute nervousness of Danish Govt. He listed numerous precautionary measures govt is taking to guard against internal attempts of Communists and to prepare against possible Soviet invasion (see mytel 270, Mar 23)1 and emphasized Denmark is determined to resist to last any Soviet aggression.
He said there is small immediate chance of Denmark’s being invited to join Brussels pact (Embtel 265, Mar 22)1 noting none of signatories have approached Denmark and in fact Dutch Foreign Minister and Dutch Prime Minister told him last week Holland holds view no country should be invited until five participating members had consolidated their situation. Furthermore he doubted joining Brussels pact would give Denmark military assistance it might require.
He inquired as to request for arms (mytel 229, Mar 12).1 In informing him I had received no reply I pointed out there are certain legal and policy difficulties. He then acquainted me with Norway’s request to US for military guarantees. He said Bevin was aware of this request as Bevin asked him re it in Paris. He stated he learned of Norway’s request only after it had been made. He then said Denmark might be forced to make similar request (mytel 230, March 12).1 While he disliked Denmark’s joining with Norway to break up solidarity of Scandinavian states he is satisfied Sweden will maintain its neutral attitude and therefore Denmark must determine independently its own course. He added that course has not yet been adopted by government but would be considered at Cabinet and foreign affairs meeting today. He [Page 68] asked if we could resume our discussions after government policy determined which, in my opinion, will be within relatively short time.