859B.01/184: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Godthaab (Penfield)
8. Your undated telegram was received May 24.
(1) Please inform Governor Svane in confidence that in response to his intimation to you of his concern over the defense of Ivigtut the Navy Department has been glad to make an estimate of the minimum equipment which would be necessary to arm a small defense corps and to protect the cryolite mine against attack from the air or a raiding vessel. The equipment suggested by the Navy is as follows: [Page 366]
| 1 | 3-inch 50-caliber antiaircraft gun (which is susceptible of use against both air and surface craft) |
| 1 | pedestal mount |
| 150 | rounds 3-inch antiaircraft ammunition |
| 150 | rounds 3-inch common ammunition |
| 8 | Lewis machine guns |
| 39 | drums, capacity 94 rounds each |
| 3680 | rounds 30-caliber ammunition |
| 50 | Springfield rifles |
| 6000 | rounds 30-caliber ammunition. |
(2) This Government is prepared to make the foregoing supplies immediately available to the Greenland authorities for the nominal sum of $10,000, which is less than one eighth of its value, and to arrange for its transportation to Ivigtut. The cutter Campbell, which was due to sail this morning, is being held for this purpose should the Greenland authorities desire to accept our offer.
(3) With regard to payment, we suggest that the best procedure would be for the necessary funds to be put at the disposal of the Danish Minister, Mr. Kauffmann, who, after receiving appropriate instructions from the Greenland authorities, could conclude the transaction with the United States Government. We have discussed this matter with Beale of the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company, who is willing to cooperate to the fullest extent possible in arranging for the necessary transfer of funds. Beale states that even if the Greenland authorities have not sufficient funds in hand at this time they will have ample resources after the arrival in the United States about June 15 of the first cryolite shipment valued at about $125,000.
(4) In our opinion the Greenland authorities would be fully warranted in expending $10,000 on defense measures, especially since the entire proceeds of the cryolite sold this year will be at the disposal of the Greenland authorities instead of being divided with the Copenhagen company, as was formerly the case.
(5) We will discuss this matter with Kauffmann later today and telegraph you his views. We will suggest to him that any communications in the premises which he may wish to send to the Greenland authorities be transmitted through us in order that they may be kept confidential. You should make a similar suggestion to Governor Svane.