859.01/164: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union ( Hamilton )

1211. Your 1672, May 12, 2 p.m. Following is a paraphrase of London’s 3900, May 13, 5 p.m. to the Department:

“A short article written by its diplomatic correspondent and published in today’s Daily Telegraph states that it is planned to treat Denmark as an Ally when liberated by the United Nations forces, and that she will thus be on the same footing with other countries in Europe which have been occupied by the enemy. The newspaper quotes Christmas Møller as having asserted last night that recognition of Denmark as an Ally would be welcomed with a great deal of satisfaction in that country and would be accompanied by a feeling that justice has been done.

A Foreign Office official told us this morning that he understood that the article was the result of inquiries made during an interview which was given by the Civil Affairs Division SHAEF,29 which was published in yesterday’s local press.

We have discussed the matter with one of the army officers present at the meeting and ascertained that when Denmark was included in the list of nations for which detailed plans had been made, a newspaper man inquired as to the reasons for such inclusion. He was informed that in view of the underground movement and sabotage activities in Denmark it was considered that the people of Denmark have justified their treatment as Allies. This statement was seemingly employed as the basis for today’s Daily Telegraph article.”

Foregoing for your information only.

Hull
  1. Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force.