840B.062/4–1851: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Iceland 1
201. In order reply Legtel 210 Apr 182 we need your and FonMin further views re:
- 1.
- Possibility that arrival of troops before May 18 might precipitate strike earlier than scheduled.
- 2.
- Feeling of Govt, labor, and public which wld indicate any possibility avoiding strike and if not, its seriousness, possible duration, difficulties in way of settlement.
- 3.
- Possibility signing agreement as soon possible, and then keeping it secret for period long enough permit later entry of troops, say June. Wld this jeopardize Agreement if Govt thinks Althing action necessary?
Destroyers Brownson and Meredith scheduled visit Reykjavik Apr 28–May 1. If troops not available wld lay-over or somewhat later arrival these ships be useful and permit announcement agreement? Both above queries exploratory only as no firm assurance can yet be given that destroyers cld delay their schedule, and no decision yet made that this course advisable.
Assume FonMin desires coincident arrival troops and announcement agreement order to avoid public disturbances. Has he any other reasons? Has he considered propaganda value to Soviet of arrival coincident with announcement, giving appearance whole procedure rigged by two Govts fearing Ice public reaction.