Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 55 Part 2.djvu/378

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INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [55 STAT. rights, and has repeatedly expressed its friendly concern and its most earnest hope for the complete and speedy liberation of Denmark. Although the Government of the United States fully recognizes the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark over Greenland, it is un- happily clear that the Government in Denmark is not in a position to exercise sovereign power over Greenland so long as the present military occupation continues. Greenland is within the area embraced by the Monroe Doctrine and MStat. 2g. by the Act of Havana, with which you are familiar, and its defense against attack by a non-American power is plainly essential to the preservation of the peace and security of the American continent, and of the traditional policies of this Government respecting the Western Hemisphere. My Government has consequently proposed measures for the ade- quate defense of Greenland consistent with the obligations of the United States under the Act of Havana signed on July 30, 1940. In doing so it is animated by sentiments of the completest friendliness for Denmark, and believes that by taking these steps it is safeguarding the eventual re-establishment of the normal relationship between Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. I have the honor to enclose a draft of the proposed agreement relating to the defense of Greenland, which I believe embodies the ideas agreed upon in the course of our various conversations. Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. CORDELL HULL Enclosure: Draft of Agreement. The Honorable HENRIK DE KAUFFMANN, Minister of Denmark. The Danish Minister to the Secretary of State ROYAL DANISH LEGATION WASHINGTON, D. C. April 9, 1941. SIR: I have received your note of the seventh instant concerning the defense of Greenland together with a draft of a proposed agreement regarding the same subject. It is with appreciation that I note your renewed assurance that, although the present circumstances prevent the Government in Den- mark for the time being from exercising its powers in respect of Green- land, your Government fully recognizes the Sovereignty of the King- dom of Denmark over the island. At the same time I wish to convey to you my feelings of gratitude for the expression of friendly concern of your Government and its earnest hope for the complete and speedy liberation of Denmark. 1252