Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Western Europe, Volume VII, Part 2

297. Telegram From the Embassy in Iceland to the Department of State⁰

Reykjavik, December 8, 1959, 1 p.m.

169. Upon my return Reykjavik I found UK–GOI fisheries dispute being discussed between UK Ambassador and certain Icelandic officials. Just prior his departure December 3 Ambassador showed me “think piece”. Gist was (1) inefficacy British show of force to achieve desired result Iceland, (2) GOI has public solidly behind it, (3) public opinion and Althing resolution in fact hold GOI captive, (4) new government¹ however does offer some hope workable compromise, (5) if UK wishes salvage position at next Law of Sea conference² it should withdraw warships from fisheries patrol duty soonest and in any event not later than day before conference opens. He also brought to my attention proposal reported London telegram sent Department 2926.³

In recent calls on Foreign Minister Gudmundsson and Minister Justice Benediktsson both mentioned fisheries to me. I found that these two key officials feel excellent working relations within new government and widespread appreciation necessity therefor warrant all out effort resolve present imbroglio. Later on December 5 Foreign Minister showed me copy memo covering current GOI–UK proposal and said he was not wholly without hope something would come of it.

Both these key officials still consider first proposal recommended July 1958 by NATO committee of experts,⁴ which would have established two (later three) areas off Icelandic coast in which Iceland would enjoy fisheries control, as favorable to Iceland. Many other Icelanders have expressed similar opinion to me. Should current UK–GOI exchanges lead to impasse it would be most desirable to revive experts’ proposal.

I believe it would be erroneous assess recent Icelandic proposal as indicating lessening Icelandic resolve achieve 12-mile fisheries limit.

Unless some interim adjustment involving withdrawal warships is achieved we cannot hope to carry Iceland with us on larger issues of greater concern to us that will come up at Law of the Sea conference.

Muccio

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 740B.022/12–859. Secret. Repeated to London and Paris.
1. In November 1959, the Independence and Social Democratic Parties of Iceland had formed a new coalition government.
2. Reference is to the second Law of the Sea Conference held at Geneva March 17–April 26, 1960.
3. Telegram 2926 from London, December 4, reported that Iceland had proposed to the British that, in exchange for the withdrawal of the British fishery protection vessels, Iceland would cancel all accumulated fines against British trawlers for violating Icelandic fisheries limits. (Department of State, Central Files, 740B.022/12–459)
4. Documentation on the work of the NATO committee is ibid., 740B.022.