Office of the Historian

859A.20/205/12

The British Embassy to the Department of State 37

undated

Telegram from British Minister at Reykjavik to the Foreign Office, dated June 27, 1941

Despite my every argument and insistence Iceland Government refuse to use word “invite”. Their position is that during last session of Parliament there was large majority in all parties against asking United States for protection. They cannot therefore assume responsibility for “inviting” without consulting Parliament, but they are anxious that whole plan should not come to nought. Therefore they ask me to send following reply in hope that it will be sufficient for President’s purpose. It will be seen that impression conveyed is that this question has been discussed between United States and Iceland and that Iceland agrees that it is in her interest that United States troops come and therefore non-aggression platform of President is completely defended. It is also not expressly stated which side took the initiative.

2. I deeply regret that I failed, but in fairness to Iceland Government I must point out that I was instructed that three points were essential, speed, secrecy and definite invitation. Reply comes one day after completion of United States concentration. Iceland Government realise the importance of secrecy, and have not summoned Parliament, although this put very great responsibility on them; they point to the recent action of Swedish Government in having secret session of Parliament. After our insistence on strategic importance of Iceland they decline to believe that British troops would actually leave, if United States did not come. Government maintain that they are taking great risk in going so far as they have. President can surely regard the form of words used as tantamount to invitation. Iceland conditions, although meticulous, are not unreasonable, and I trust United States Government will not cavil at raising status of representatives. It will make a great difference when United States troops come and very greatly please Icelanders.

[The remaining part of this telegram contains a message from the Prime Minister of Iceland to President Roosevelt, part of which is quoted verbatim and part in substance. For text of the message agreed to by President Roosevelt, see page 785.]

  1. Handed by the British Ambassador to the Acting Secretary of State on June 28.↩