857.014/58
The Norwegian Minister (Bachke) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary of State: On instructions from my Government I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that, on December 1, 1927, Captain Horntvedt of the Norwegian expedition, on board the steamship Norvegia, occupied the Island of Bouvet, situated in the South Atlantic in latitude 54°26’ South and longitude 3°24’ East, in the name of the Norwegian Crown and in accordance with authorization from the Royal Government.
The Island of Bouvet was placed under the sovereignty of Norway by the Royal Decree of January 23, 1928, and by the same decree the Minister of Justice was authorized to make preparations regarding the exercise of police authority in the above-mentioned island.
Please accept [etc.]