857.01/45
The Norwegian Minister (Morgenstierne) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that owing to circumstances beyond their control His Majesty King Haakon VII of Norway and the Norwegian Government have been forced temporarily to take up residence in London, from where they are carrying on their functions in accordance with the constitution of my country.
In a broadcast from London to the Norwegian people yesterday the King, as reported by the Associated Press, stated that he would have preferred to remain in Norway while his people were “writhing under the oppressor’s heel”, but that it was necessary to go to London to “continue the work of liberating our country”.
I shall hope, Mr. Secretary of State, to be in a position at an early date to transmit to you a message from my Government confirming the present preliminary communication.
Accept [etc.]