857.014/81
The Minister in Norway (Swenson) to
the Secretary of State
Oslo, March 28, 1930.
[Received April
15.]
No. 1614
Sir: With reference to previous correspondence
regarding the annexation by Norway of the Island of Jan Mayen I have the
honor to report that the Norwegian Storting has now enacted a law which
defines more clearly the status of Jan Mayen, incorporating it as an
integral part of the Kingdom of Norway, the same as in the case of
Svalbard, and providing for such legislation as is considered of present
need regarding private property rights, the administration of justice,
etc. There is transmitted herewith a copy of the law under report, which
is now in force.
I have [etc.]
[Page 715]
[Enclosure—Translation]
An Act Regarding Jan Mayen
I
The Island of Jan Mayen shall be an integral part of the Kingdom of
Norway.
II
The Norwegian civil and penal codes as well as the laws governing the
administration of justice are made applicable to Jan Mayen. The King
shall decide to what extent other laws shall apply. The King may
make such changes in the above laws as he may deem necessary to meet
local conditions.
The provision contained in Paragraph 4 of the Law regarding Svalbard
shall have corresponding application as to Jan Mayen.
III
All property not transferred to private persons shall belong to the
State. No one shall acquire proprietary or usage rights to
Government property. The rights of the State to transferred property
shall not terminate by reason of prescription.
IV
In order to be lawful, special real rights to property on Jan Mayen
which were established before May 8, 1929, shall be registered with
the registrar of mortgages for entry on the folio of the property in
question within 6 months after this law has entered into force.
V
This law enters into force immediately.
