File No. 711.5914/235
The Secretary of State to the Danish Minister
Washington, March 27, 1917.
My dear Mr. Minister: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 24th instant in which, in reply to mine of March 22, concerning the payment by the United States of the money consideration for the cession of the Danish West Indian Islands, you inform me that you have been authorized by full power to receive the money on behalf of the Danish Government, and of the desire of that Government with respect to the mode of payment. I have hastened to enclose a copy of your communication to the Secretary of the Treasury for his information.
You also advise me by your letter that the Acting Governor of the Islands, Captain H. Konow, Royal Danish Navy, has been designated on behalf of the Danish Government, to carry out the formal delivery of the islands to the United States representative.
Understanding that it is the wish of the Danish Government that the payment be made prior to April 2, I beg to advise you that, desiring to oblige your Government in this regard, we shall be happy to make the payment to you on Saturday, March 31, at 11 a.m. Instructions have been sent to Admiral William L. Rodgers to proceed from Guantanamo to St. Thomas and to take over the islands in the name of this Government on the same day, Saturday, March 31. Admiral Rodgers will remain only until the arrival of the New Governor, Admiral James H. Oliver, on or about April 10.
I am [etc.]