Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1929, Volume III

857.014/58

The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War

Washington, January 28, 1929.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose for your information and an expression of your views in regard to the reply to be made thereto, a copy of a note of December 12, 1928, received from the Royal Norwegian Legation at this capital¹¹ informing me that the Island of Bouvet in the South Atlantic was placed under the sovereignty of Norway by the Royal Decree of January 23, 1928.

While the Department is not at present aware of any American interests that might be jeopardized by a recognition of Norway’s action in this case I should be grateful if you will cause your Department to consider the matter and to be advised of any conclusions which may be reached by it in the premises. I may add as of possible interest that the Department has been advised that the British Government has decided to waive the British claim to Bouvet Island in favor of Norway.

A similar communication is being addressed to the Secretary of the Navy.

I have [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

Under Secretary

11. Supra.