757.6111/3–340: Telegram
The Ambassador in Norway (Bay) to the Secretary of State
174. Following is text Norwegian reply to Soviet note of February 51 delivered Soviet Ambassador today. Text is strictly confidential until 10 a. m. Norwegian time March 4 when Foreign Minister Lange will read it to open meeting Storting:
“Norwegian Government has carefully considered Soviet statement of 5 February.
Statement Soviet Government 29 January2 gave Norwegian Government opportunity give views on Norway’s security problem. It said among other things it had decided, considering Norway’s situation on Atlantic and position as seafaring nation, initiate inquiry to ascertain forms and conditions under which Norway might possibly participate in regional security system comprising countries on Atlantic.
Inquiry has led to intention Norwegian Government, with Storting’s agreement, participate in preliminary discussions closer details framing of Atlantic Pact. Purpose these discussions is find mutually binding agreement built on principle solidarity and collective security within regional area constituting natural unit. Norwegian Government convinced this pact won’t serve aggressive aims and will be formed according UN Charter. Norway wouldn’t join pact under other circumstances. Final decision whether Norway enters contemplated pact made by Norwegian Government and Norwegian Storting when pact available in final form.
Norwegian Government has studied Soviets last statement with sincere will to understand and meet wish there be clarity in neighborly relations of the two countries. It therefore desires reiterate most categorically it neither will participate in policy with aggressive aims nor will it grant bases for foreign military forces on Norwegian territory long as Norway not attacked or subjected threats of attack. It desires moreover state that appraisal factors pertaining possible threat of attack against our country will in no instance be built on loose and provocatory rumors. Facts alone will form basis decision which steps shall be taken in defense our country and it’s self evident such appraisal rests solely with Norwegian Government.
Soviet Union alludes in statement 5 February possibility of making nonaggression pact with Norway if Norwegian Government doubts Soviet Union’s good neighbor policy.
Good neighbor relations between Norway and Soviet Union to which Soviet so correctly refers in statement 5 February have deep historical roots and Norway desires warmly preserve and strengthen them. Norwegian Government convinced possible Norwegian adherence to Atlantic Pact won’t shake this desire which supported by entire Norwegian nation. By joining UN Charter which lays upon member states duty refrain from ‘threat or use of force against territorial integrity or political independence any state’ the two countries have moreover pledged themselves not attack one another. In these circumstances Norwegian Government fails see need reiterate pledge by special non-aggression pacts. Storting has sided with government’s views this matter.
Soviet Union has in statement 5 February reaffirmed its friendly attitude towards Norway. Norwegian Government wishes take this opportunity express its own and Norwegian people’s friendly feelings towards Government Soviet Union and its people”.