No. 217

840B.062/4–1851: Telegram

The Minister in Iceland (Lawson) to the Secretary of State

top secret   priority

210. Inform Mitchell Defense.1 Fon Min has just informed me of govt’s great concern possibility Commie directed strike set for May 18 which he says cld easily take on character of general strike. Said govt as well as social dems taken by surprise but will do everything possible prevent serious widespread strikes.

He very fearful US troops will arrive here near that date which he thinks wld be embarrassing us as well as Ice Govt, especially if there port difficulties re off-loading our equipment, supplies etc. He suggests date not later than May 3. Can we meet that date having troops, as well as survey party alerted to meet that date when confirmed? I recommend we make every effort.

Fon Min confident agreement will be signed in plenty of time to permit such programing.

Pls comment soonest.

Lawson
  1. The message was relayed to the Department of Defense on April 19 at 1 a.m.