840.20/1–2549: Telegram
The Ambassador in Denmark (Marvel) to the Secretary of State
55. I questioned Foreign Minister today on meaning paragraph three of communiqué issued conclusion Copenhagen conference (mytel 53, January 25)1 relating to clarification whether Scandinavian countries can procure outside defense material particularly in view my presentation US views contained Deptel 18, January 142 reported mytel 39, January 18. Rasmussen stated he understood then and understands now present US view limits defense materials to countries coming within Vandenberg resolution terms and to those of previous commitments such as Turkey, Greece and Korea. Purpose this part of communiqué aside from Scandinavian political necessity for including same, he said, was in event regional Scandinavian agreement reached then this agreement and reasons therefore would be presented to Washington for its blessing in attempt to persuade US to modify its presently understood views. In short the program remains as outlined mytel 20, January 10.
He went on to state that it was by no means certain that regional agreement would be reached in Oslo. I asked him what would be result if (1) no agreement reached at Oslo or (2) if agreement reached but no blessings for it given by Washington. He stated he thought Norway would then seek to join North Atlantic pact although he felt Norway was not as anxious to do so as had been heretofore reported. As to Denmark final decision could only come after occurrence of either of above events; whichever step Denmark took would have political repercussions in the country, but he added more than a majority would desire joining North Atlantic pact.
Sent Department 55, repeated Oslo 8, Stockholm 8.