July 14, 1952
MINISTERIAL MEETINGS IN LONDON, JUNE 1952
Conversations between Secretary Acheson and Foreign Minister Kraft of Denmark
9:30 A.M., Saturday, June 28, 1952 American Embassy, London
Present:
United States Secretary Acheson Mr. Perkins Miss Camp
Denmark Foreign Minister Kraft Danish Ambassador to UK
The Records of this meeting are contained in the following telegrams from London: 1. SECTO 35, Dated June 28, 1952 - A general summary of meeting 2. SECTO 36, dated June 28, 1952 (For Departmental distribution only) - With reference to termination of aid to Denmark 3. SECTO 40, dated June 28, 1952 - With regard to Danish and Norwegian defense measures
OUTGOING TELEGRAM - AMERICAN EMBASSY, LONDON SECSTATE, WASHINGTON 35 SECTO
JUNE 28, 1 p.m.
Rptd to: AmEmbassy, PARIS Priority 2548 AmEmbassy, COPENHAGEN Priority 176
Secretary saw Kraft this morning and stated in strongest terms essentiality of finding some means of delaying delivery tanker. Kraft at first said that any further delay completely out of question, that he had himself intervened with shipyard to obtain postponement until first of week in order to have chance to discuss with Secretary, but that no repeat no further possibility for delay existed. Trial run had been satisfactory in all respects and despite every effort Danes could find no repeat no basis for further delay. He assured Secy that Danish Govt fully aware seriousness of situation and had every desire to cooperate with us but that Parliament not in session and therefore no opportunity to request special legislation and no other legal means existed. Kraft emphasized view that if aid to Denmark terminated result would be complete breakdown government's present defense policy and that repercussions on whole NATO effort inevitable. He felt confident in view COCOM history on prior commitments that NATO countries would share Danish view that exception should be granted. Kraft also referred to recent incidents in Baltic and excused position Denmark.
Secretary expressed understanding extreme difficulty of Danish
Miriam Camp:emh G.S. Perkins
OUTGOING TELEGRAM, AMERICAN EMBASSY, LONDON SECSTATE; Washington SECTO 36 June 28, 1 p.m. DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION ONLY
In discussion with Kraft (reported in detail in _____35 I stated that I believed Harriman would have no repeat no alternative but to terminate aid to Denmark if tanker delivered in next few days. I did not repeat not indicate what my own recommendation would be. I emphasized, however, that if substantial delay out of question even a few more days delay would give us opportunity to see whether any alternative to termination of aid existed, whereas immediate shipment virtually certain to result in immediate public announcement of termination. Perkins and Miriam Camp were present at interview following which we discussed possible alternatives, if, as I fear, tanker will be delivered on or about July 7. Camp returning Washington tonight.
ACHESON MIRIAM. Camp M.CAMP
(Telegram attached to this record)
OUTGOING TELEGRAM , AMERICAN EMBASSY, LONDON Control 940
SECSTATE; WASHINGTON 40 SECTO
RPTD TO: Amembassy, PARIS 2547 Pass AcArthur
Amembassy, Copenhagen 174
June 28, 1:00 P.M.
In opening conversation with Secy. (principally devoted to tanker question as reported separate telegram) Kraft stated that he had hoped to come with Lange but Lange had felt it best to keep base discussion in present channels. Kraft raised briefly the problem of Danish public opinion and of their desire not to get ahead of Norway in defense measures. He said, however, he felt that they could work problem out and would in proper time be prepared to accept US unit on TAC bases. He did not raise nor did Secy. question of TAC auxiliary field in Denmark for Norway.
ACHESON
George Perkins: emh George Perkins