The Minister in Iceland (Lawson) to the Secretary of State
123. Depcirtel 313.2 In view unique position Iceland among NAT countries, no military forces, her role being primarily contribution highly valuable strategic location, supply defensive base NATO forces and cooperation established such base and policy government to delay and discourage press agitation people about Iceland’s participation in defense program until more specific demands on country evident, believe useful evaluation public attitude should await developments and especially Eisenhower visit.3
Meantime attitude government reveals it fully aware critical world situation, Icelandic responsibilities and need for defense Iceland as part integrated program. Feel it will cooperate and make strong effort develop public support at proper time. Attitude public believed more favorable now than any time but there remains strong opposition element in Communist Party and unknown number fervent Nationalists. Feel many latter group and some of Communist Party can be won over if dangers and need defensive program presented convincing effective way. There some evidence apathy and feeling US heavy play of fear of war and preparation necessity being over done. But Korea, defense activities other NATO countries, coming press activity, and Eisenhower’s visit should reawaken consciousness need action and focus attention specific danger undefended Iceland.
- Circular telegram 313 asked for an evaluation of the current attitudes in various Atlantic Pact countries on a number of different matters. (740.5/12–2650)↩
- For documentation on General Eisenhower’s trip to various NATO capitals in January 1951, see vol. iii, Part 1, pp. 392 ff.↩