740B.5/3–451: Telegram
The Minister in Iceland (Lawson) to the Secretary of State
160. For Mitchell from negotiating team. Reference Deptel 141, March 2.1 Proposed text on number military personnel. Clause to be included in basic agreement reads “The number of military personnel to be stationed in Iceland pursuant to this agreement in the absence of hostilities involving the North Atlantic region shall be subject to the approval of the Icelandic Government.” Supplementary technical schedule provision reads “The United States, on behalf of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has proposed to station up to approximately 3900 personnel in Iceland pursuant to the agreement of blank date. Iceland has approved this figure. The United States military authorities have stated that such a force is not considered a complete security force for Iceland, its composition having been determined in the light of Iceland’s basic defense needs, the prospective availability of equipment and personnel, and the special problems presented by Iceland’s small population and non-military tradition. Improved availabilities, changes in the strategic situation or the need to provide additional supporting services for forces that would be required in the event of hostilities may lead to proposals by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or its representative to augment the security force from time to time, even in the absence of hostilities. Iceland has advised the United States that it has taken note of these statements and that any such proposals will be given serious consideration, taking into account the responsibilities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and [Page 496] its members. Iceland has further informed the United States that it recognizes that during hostilities involving the North Atlantic region the number of military personnel to be stationed in Iceland is a matter to be determined by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization military authorities.”
Following background should be considered: US assurance given Iceland prior signing NAT that no troops would be stationed here in peacetime and Althing announcement to same effect made with US approval seriously complicate government’s position and in their opinion require basic agreement clause quoted above. Increase of figures previously given Iceland of 200, 1200, 2700, very difficult for FonMin to explain to other parties, particularly in view language of Standing Group answer to Iceland. Team’s instructions were if necessary to agree to technical schedule providing 3900 total personnel with strength figure as to each unit plus contractors’ crews. Proposed texts are better in following respects: (1) Total figure is overall, units and unit strengths not given, affording flexibility; (2) Total relates only to military personnel, giving further leeway; (3) Word “station” clearly understood as meaning transient personnel not included; (4) Clear provision that no ceiling exists during hostilities; (5) Iceland on record as having been advised of future increases, including need for additional forces to support troops required on hostilities. This places Iceland in position in which resistance very difficult, as FonMin recognizes. We all feel quoted provisions will in practice permit desired increases.
For three weeks I have pressed provisions along lines first choice urtel but Iceland unwilling accept mere notification or consultation.
- Telegram 141 notified Lawson that the Department of State “wld accept requirement of prior consultation with Ice before exceeding 3900 total, but cld not, without further consideration here, accept provision whereby Ice given right to disapprove absolutely any needed increases.” (740G.5/2–2751)↩