840.20/3–2549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Iceland
us urgent
53. Legtel 97 Mar. 25.1 It would be preferable if Ice simply accepted invitation since any form of conditional acceptance would require agreement all participating governments. If FonMin feels it essential to say something along lines suggested care should be taken that it merely referred to existing situation and could not be taken as conditional acceptance. We do not like phrase “unable to declare war” and would prefer any statement to refer merely to existing situation rather than to constitute permanent limitation. We repeat it would be better if Ice could simply accept but if they must say something it might be to effect that Ice’s special position as unarmed nation limits action it might take under Article 5.
Thors advised along foregoing line in response his inquiry.
- In telegram 97, not printed, Butrick informed the Department of State that Foreign Minister Benediktsson was anxious to incorporate in Iceland’s acceptance of the invitation to join the North Atlantic Pact a reservation regarding his country’s ability to declare war (840.20/3–2549).↩