740B.5/3–451: Telegram
The Minister in Iceland (Lawson) to the Secretary of State
165. Inform Mitchell Defense. Reference Deptel 140, March 21 and Legtel 158, March 3.2 In long talk with FonMin this afternoon3 [Page 497] I made every effort obtain acceptance text sense Deptel 1344 in accordance reftel. He refused expressing in definite and unmistakable terms his conviction neither government nor Althing nor people would accept agreement in which there no provision unilateral termination by Iceland. He reiterated often stated reasons and conditions supporting Iceland’s demands, all which appear Legtels and Legdes to Department re negotiations. Stated several times he certain could not obtain acceptance Althing but equally sure government would not present it to Althing.
He said, “even I, who has long recognized the need for the defense of Iceland and the value of such defense to NATO and have worked so hard for the program here, would not recommend such an agreement to my government. Of course, I am not speaking for the government which I shall consult at once but these are my personal views.” He then added, “I would rather Iceland be exposed to the dangers of an undefended island than agree to a peace time occupation of forces for duration of NAT.”
Promised inform me of government’s reaction late Monday. In response my suggestion, he agreed continue consideration of text draft and few unresolved points for present pending settlement duration principle which however fundamental to entire agreement.
Lawson
- See footnote 3, Document 211.↩
- Telegram 158 replied to telegram 140. Lawson said he would “make every effort obtain acceptance but foresee bitter reaction,” and requested immediate authority to return to Washington for consultation if developments required it. (740B.5/3–251)↩
- Lawson transmitted a memorandum of his conversation with the Foreign Minister on March 4 as an enclosure to despatch 388 from Reykjavik, March 6. (740B.5/3–651)↩
- See footnote 4, Document 211.↩