ICELAND-DEFENSE-JULY 1, 1941 Agreement between the United States of America and Iceland respecting July 1, 1941 the defense of Iceland by United States forces. Effected July 1, 1941; [E. A. .232] ratified by the Icelandic Regent in Council July 10, 1941. Message sent by the Prime Minister of Iceland to the President of the United States, July 1, 1941 In a conversation of June 24th, the British Minister explained that British forces in Iceland are required elsewhere. At the same time he stressed the immense importance of adequate defense of Iceland. He also called my attention to the declaration of the President of the United States to the effect that he must take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Western Hemisphere-one of the President's measures is to assist in the defense of Iceland-and that the President is therefore prepared to send here immediately United States troops to supplement and eventually to replace the British force here. But that he does not consider that he can take this course except at the invitation of the Iceland Government. After careful consideration of all the circumstances the Iceland Government, in view of the present state of affairs, admit that this measure is in accordance with the interest of Iceland, and therefore are ready to entrust the protection of Iceland to United States on the following conditions. 1. United States promise to withdraw all their military forces, land, air and sea, from Iceland immediately on conclusion of present war. 2. United States further promise to recognize the absolute inde- pendence and sovereignty of Iceland and to exercise their best efforts with those powers which will negotiate the peace treaty at the con- clusion of the present war in order that such treaty shall likewise recognize the absolute independence and sovereignty of Iceland. 3. United States promise not to interfere with Government of Iceland neither while their armed forces remain in this country nor afterwards. 4. United States promise to organize the defense of the country in such a way as to ensure the greatest possible safety for the inhabitants themselves and assure that they suffer minimum disturbance from military activities; these activities being carried out in consultation with Iceland authorities as far as possible. Also because of small population of Iceland and consequent danger to nation from presence of a numerous army, great care must be taken that only picked troops are sent here. Military authorities should be also instructed to keep in mind that Icelanders have been unarmed for centuries and are entirely unaccustomed to military discipline and conduct of troops towards the inhabitants of the country should be ordered accordingly. 55 STAT.] 1547
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