759.61/3–1248
The Ambassador in Denmark (Marvel) to the Secretary of State
230. When I asked Foreign Minister last evening what Denmark’s reaction would be in event of Soviet request similar to that made Finland he replied matter had not been considered by Cabinet but his personal view with which he was certain Hedtoft1 would agree, was that Denmark’s reply would be a flat no. He added even in event USSR requested non-aggression pact Denmark would also flatly refuse to enter into such agreement. He pointed out Denmark had non-aggression pact with Germany while Norway did not, yet both were attacked simultaneously. He went on to say Denmark, by joining with Norway or Benelux, would not stop Soviet aggression. He said this could be stopped only by clean declaration by US that limit of Soviet advance has been reached and any further act of aggression would be promptly met by force. He said only such a declaration by US would carry weight with Soviet. He was hopeful such stand would be taken and openly declared by US. He said that it was within possibilities Denmark would be forced to seek military alliance with US. He hoped this would not occur before Marshall Plan had gone into effect so as to avoid implication ERP had military strings attached to it.
Sent Dept as 230, repeated Stockholm 17, Oslo 12.
- Hans Hedtoft, Danish Prime Minister.↩