•sssr E 7(o8 .as CO ?y^ n^ss £ lioi Book_.^il. iji f>-^ 64th Congress ) QTrxrATT? (Document 2dSessi(m \ bJ^JNAlJi j No. 686 APPROPRIATION TO PAY FOR THE DANISH WEST INDIES MESSAGE FROM THE President of the United States INVITING THE ATTENTION OF THE CONGRESS TO THE NECESSITY FOR MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $25,000,000 AS PAYMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE DANISH WEST INDIES January 23, 1 9 1 7. — Read, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and ordered to be printed WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1917 D. of D. FEB 3 1917 APPROPRIATIONS TO PAY FOR THE DANISH WEST INDIES. Fo the Senate and House of Representatives : I transmit herewith a report by the Secretary of State, with ac- companying papers, concerning the treaty signed August -t, 191G, between the United States and Denmark for the cession to the United States of the Danish West Indian Ishmds and the obligations of the United vStates under the convention. The attention of the Congress is especially invited to the neces- sity for action being taken by the Congress during its present ses- sion that will enable the Government of the United States to discharge its conventional obligation to pav to the Government of Denmark the sum of $25,000,000. which, by Article V of the con- vention, the United States agrees to pay in full consideration of the cession within 90 days from the date of the exchange of the ratifications of the convention. This exchange of ratifications was effected on January IT. 1917. so that the good faith of the United States requires the payment of the $25,000,000 not later than April 17, 1917, and to do this, provision by the Congress during its present sessi(m for the paj-ment is imperative. WooDRow AA'tlsox. The White House, January 22, 1917. - The President: The undersigned, the Secretary of State, has the honor to transmit herewitli a copy of the English text of a con- vention between the United States and Denmark, signed at the city of Xew York, August 4, 1910, together with copies of the notes ex- changed between the high contracting parties in pursuance of the Senate resolution of September 9. 191(), giving the advice and con- sent of that body to the ratification of the convention. The exchange of the ratifications of the convention took place on January 17. 1917. and the convention is, therefore, now in force as a mutually binding obligation between the two countries concerned. By article 1 of this convention Denmark cedes to the United States, in return for a money payment, all territory, dominion, and sovereignty of Den- mark in the West Indies, including the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, together Avith the adjacent islands and rocks. The succeeding articles specif}' in detail certain terms and conditions regarding the cession. By article 5 the Ignited States, in full con- sideration of the cession, agrees to paj' within 90 days from the date of exchange of the ratifications, in the city of Washington, to the diplomatic representative or other agent of Denmark duly author- ized to receive the money, the sum of $"25,000,000 in gold coin of the United States. This amount is therefore due from the United States to Denmark within the period ending April 17 next. 8 4 APPEOPEIATION TO PAY FOR THE DANISH WEST INDIES. _ This convention is responsive to the conviction of botli Govern- ments, as well as of the people of the islands, that the Danish AVest Indies should belong to the United States. This conviction, as is well known, has been manifested in earlier treaties for the transfer of these islands to the United States. Without entering upon any extended historical review of the negotiations of these earlier treaties, it may be pointed out that the first negotiations for the purchase of the islands were initiated by Secretary Seward during the administration of President Lincoln, and before the close of the Civil War, culminating in the convention signed at Copenhagen October 24, 18G7, during the administration of President Johnson, for the cession of the islands of St. Thomas and St. John. It is the opinion of students of the subject that this convention was brought about through the conviction of the United States gained by its naval operations during the Ci^^il War, of the need of a naval coal- ing, supply, and repair station in the Caribbean Sea, in order that the United States might be placed on a footing with other great pow^eTs owning islands in those waters. Tliis conviction, no doubt, was strengthened by the fact that the United States emerged from that war as a maritime power, to whom a good harbor and depot in the West Indies had become a matter of so great importance, if not of necessity, that the United States could not wish to see the Danish West Indies fall into the hands of another power. Although the plebiscite in St. Thomas and St. John held under the treaty of 1867 was overwhelmingly in favor of the cession, and the treaty was promptly approved by the Danish Rigsdag and ratified and signed by the King, and although the period for ratifi- cation was extended from time to time to April 14, 1870, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations took no action until March 24, 1870, w^hen Senator Sumner reported it adversely and the Senate acquiesced in that opinion. Prior to the Spanish War overtures Avere again made tor the cession of the islands— this time initiated by the Danish Govern- ment. During the Spanish War the question of the purchase of the islands was further agitated. Concurrently with the discussion of the Isthmian Canal and the protection of the islands obtained from Spain a second treaty for the purchase of the Danish AVest Indies was signed at Washmaton, January 24. 1902. In reporting this treaty favorably to the" Senate, Senator Cullom, of the Committee on Foreign Relations, stated : These islands, together with Porto Rico, are of great importance in a strategic way, whether the strategy be military or commercial. St. ihomas is the natural point of call for all European trade bound to the AVest Indies, Central America, or northern South America. These islands, together with Porto Rico form the northeastern corner of the Caribbean Sea, and are ot great importance in connection with the American isthmus, where a canal will be constructed between the Atlantic and Pacific. They are of first importance in connection with our relations to the region of the Orinoco and the Amazon and with our control of the Windward Passage. The treaty was approved by the United States Senate February 17, 1902, but failed of ratification by a tie vote in the upper house ot the Danish Rigsdag. ." , All of the reasons upon which the two prior treaties were based, whether strategic, economic, or political, are of more force to-day than in previous years. There can be no question as to the value ot APPROPKIATION TO PAY FOR THE DANISH WEST INDIES. 5 St. Thomas Harbor as a naval port, with its circular configuration, ample roadsteads, protection from prevailing winds and seas, and facilities for fortifications. Moreover, the advantages of the posses- sion of a naval base off the entrance of the Panama Canal and near the island of Porto Rico are self-evident. The commercial value of the islands can not be doubted. Lying in close proximity to many of the passages into the Caribbean Sea, the use of St. Thomas Harbor as a supply station for merchant ships plyino- between the United States and South America, and for vessels in other trades, is of great importance. The existing modern harbor works, floating docks, marine slip and wharves provided with elec- tric cranes, oil reservoirs, coal depots, fresh-water tanks, machine shops, and warehouses contribute to the commercial advantages of St. Thomas Harbor as a port of call and transshipment for ships in the Central and South American trades. The political importance of extending American jurisdiction over the islands is not to be overlooked. The Caribbean is within the pe- culiar sphere of influence of the United States, especially since the completion of the Panama Canal, and the possibility of a change of sovereignty of any of the islands now under foreign jurisdiction is of grave concern to the United States. Moreover, the Monroe doctrine, a settled national policy of the United States, would have caused this countr}^ to look with disfavor upon the transfer of sovereignty of the Danish West Indies to any other European nation. In view of these considerations, the treat}^ of cession of these is- lands to the United States is a matter of no small moment to this country. I do not hesitate, therefore, to recommend that the Con- gress be urged to take action during the present session to enable this Government to discharge its conventional obligation to Denmark by the pavment to the Government of Denmark of the sum of $25,- 000.000 by April 17 next. Respectfully submitted. Egbert Lansing. Department of State, Washington, January 22, 1917. January- 3, 1917. Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Senate of the LTnited States, by its resolution of ratification, has advised and consented to the ratification of the convention between the United States and Denmark ceding to the United States the Danish West Indian Is- lands, with the following provisos : I'rovklcd, hoircrcr, Tliat it is deelnivd by the Senate that in advising and (-•onsenting to the ratification of tlie said convention, such advice and consent are given with tlie understanding, to Ije expi'cssed as a part of the instrument of ratilication, tliat such Convention shaU not be talcen and construed liy the Higli Contracting Parties as imposing any trust upon the United States with respect to any funds l)eionging to the Danisli National Church in the Danish West Indian Islands, or in which the said church may have an interest nor as inii)osing upon the United States any duty or responsibility with respect to the management of any property belonging to said church, beyond protecting said church in the possession and use of church property as stated in said Convention, in the same manner and to the same extent only as other churches shall be protected in the possession and use of their several properties: And 6 APPEOPEIATIOX TO PAY FOE THE DANISH WEST INDIES. proiiiUd further, Tlinl the Senate advises and consents to the ratilication of the said Convention on condition tluit the attitude of the United States in this pai'ticiilar, as set fortli in tlie al)ove proviso, be made tlie siiltject of an ex- change of notes between tlie (iovernnients of tlie two Hiuli Contracting P.irties, so as to make it plain that this condition is understood and accepted by tlie two (Jovernments. the purpose hereof being to bring the said Convention clearly within the Constitutional powers of the United States with respect to church establishment and freedom of religion. In view of this resolution of the Senate I have the honor to state that it is under.stcod and accepted by the Government of the United States and the Government of Denmark that the provisions of this convention referring to the property and funds belono-injr to the Danish national church in the Danisli AVest Indian islands shall not l)e taken and construed by the high contracting parties as imposing any trust upcm the United States with respect to any funds belong- ing to the Danish national church in the Danish "West Indian islands, or in which the said church may have an interest, nor as imposing upon the United States any duty or responsiliility with re- spect to the management of any jn-operty belonging to said church, beyond protecting said church in the possession and use of church propertv as stated in said convention, in the same manner and to the same extent only as other churches shall lie j^rotected in the posses- sion and use of their several properties. I trust that your Go\'ernment will, in a formal rei)ly to this com- munication, accept this understanding as to the meaning and C(m- struction of the provisions of said convention in accordance with the foregoing resolution of the Senate. Accept, sir. the reneAved assurances of my highest consideration. Robert Lansing. Mr. CONSTANTIN BkUN, Minister of Dcnrnrovisions referring to this point in the convention between tlie United States and Denmark ceding to the States the Danish West Indian Islands. I have the lionor to state that it is understood and accepted by the (jo\ eminent of Denmark and the Government of the United States that the pro- visions of this convention referring to the property and funds be- longing to the Danish National Church in the Danish West Indian Islands shall not be taken and construed by the high contracting parties as imposing any trust upon the Ignited States with respect to any funds belonging to the Danish National Church in the Dani.sh West Indian Islands or in Avliich the said church may have an inter- est, nor as imposing upon the United States any duty or responsi- bility with respect to the management of any property belonging to said church beyond protecting said church in the possession and use of church property, as stated in said convention, in the same manner and to the same extent only as other churches shall be protected in the possession and use of their several properties. APPROPEIATION TO PAY FOE THE DANISH WEST INDIES. 7 It AYill be evident from the above that the Danish Government accept the understanding as to the meaning and construction of the ]>rovisions of the said convention in accordance with the resolution of the United States Senate concerning the question of the rights of the church in the islands. I have the honor to be, sir, with the highest consideration, Your most obedient and humble servant, mi. 1 1 1 -r^ C. Bkun. ine honorable Robert Lansing, Secretary of State of the United States. CONFIDENTIAL. 64th Congress, 1 IN THE SENATE— IN EXECU- f Executive 1st Session. J TIVE SESSION. \ Document D. CESSION OF THE DANISH WEST INDIES. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNHED STATES, TRANSMITTING A CONVENTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND DENMARK RESPECTING THE CESSION OF THE DANISH WEST INDIAN ISLANDS TO THE UNITED STATES, SIGNED AT NEW YORK, AUGUST 4, 1916. August 8, 1916. — Message read; convention read the first time and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and, together with the message, ordered to be printed in confidence for the use of the Senate. January 23, 1917. — Injunction of secrecy removed. To the Senate: With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to its ratification, I transmit herewith a convention between the United States and Denmark respecting the cession of the Danish West Indian Islands to the United States, signed at New York on August 4, 1916. I also transmit, for the mformation of the Senate, a declaration made by the Secretary of State at the time of the signing of the con- vention ''that the Government of the United States will not object to the Danish Government extending their political and economic interests to the whole of Greenland." The attention of the Senate is invited to the recommendation made in the accompanying report of the Acting Secretary of State that the Senate will provide for the retaining of the injmiction of secrecy on the convention mitil such time as the two Governments shall agree to make it public. WooDROW Wilson. The White House, Washington, August 8, 1916. 9 10 cesvsiox of the daxish west indies. Depaetmext of State, WasMngton, August 7, 1916. The President: The undersigned, the Acting Secretary of State, has the honor to lay before the President, with a view to its transmission to the Senate, if his judgment approve thereof, to receive the advice and consent of that body to its ratification, a convention between the United States and Denmark respecting the cession of the Danish West Indian Islands to the United States, signed at Xew York on August 4, 1916. The undersigned has also the honor to submit, for the information of the Senate, a declaration made by the Secretary of State at the time of the signing of the convention '"that the Government of the United States of America will not object to the Danish Government extending their political and economic interests to the whole of Greenland." As the Danish Government has requested that publicity of the terms of the convention be withheld until such time as the two Govermnents shall agree to promulgate them, the undersigned begs to suggest that it be recommended to the Senate that in giving its advice and consent to the ratification of the convention, its resolu- tion include a provision that the injunction of secrecy shall remain on the convention until the two Governments shall agree to make it public. Respectfully submitted. Frank L. Polk. • Accompaniments : Treaty with Denmark. Declaration bv the Secretarv of State. declaration by the secretary of state. In proceedmg this day to the signature of the convention respecting the cession of the Danish West Indian Islands to the United vStates of America, the undersigned Secretarv of State of the United ^States of America, duly authorized by his Government, has the honor to de- clare that the Government of the United States of ^bnerica will not object to the Danish Government extending then political and economic interests to the whole of Greenland . (Signed) Robert Lansing. New York, August 4, 1916. CONVENTION BETWEEN HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF DENMARK AND THE L^NITED STATES OF AMERICA RESPECTING THE CESSION OF THE DANISH WEST-INDIAN ISLANDS. The United States of America and His Majesty the King of Den- mark being desirous of confirming the good understanding which exists between them, have to that end appointed as Plenipotentiaries: The President of the United States: Mr. Robert Lansing, Secretary of State of the LTnited States, CESSIOX OF THE DANISH WEST INDIES. 11 and His Majesty the King of Denmark: Mr. Constantin Brun, His Majesty's Envoy extraordinary and Minister plenipotentiary at Washington, who, having mutually exhibited their full powers which were found to be in due form, have agreed upon the following articles: Article 1. His Majesty the Kuig of Denmark by tliis convention cedes to tJie United States all territory, dominion and sovereignty, possessed, asserted or claimed by Denmark in the West Indies includmg the Islands of Samt Thomas, Saint John and Saint Croix together with the adjacent islands and rocks. This cession includes the right of property in aU public, govern- ment, or crown lands, public buildings, wharves, ports, harbors, forti- fications, barracks, pubhc funds, rights, franchises, and privileges, and aU otlier public property of every kmd or description now belong- ing to Denmark together with all appurtenances thereto. In tliis cession shall also be included any government arcliives, records, papers oi' documents wliich relate to the cession or the rights and property of the inhabitants of the Islands ceded, and which may now be existing either in the Islands ceded or in Denmark. Such archives and records shall be carefully preserved, and authenticated copies thereof, as may be reciuired shall be at all times given to the United States Government or the Danish Government, as the case may be, or to such properly authorized persons as may applv for them. Article 2. Denmark guarantees that the cession made by the preceding article is free and unencumbered by any reservations, privileges, francliises, grants, or possessions, held by any governments, corpo- rations, S3'ndicates, or individuals, except as herein mentioned. But it is understood that this cession does not in any respect impair private rights which b}' law belong to the peaceful possession of property of all kinds by private individuals of whatsoever nation- ality, by municipaUties, pubhc or private estabhshments, ecclesias- tical or civic bodies, or any other associations having legal capacity to acciuii'e and possess property in the Islands ceded. The congregations belonging to the Danish National Church shall retain the undisturbed use of the churches which are now used b}^ them, together with the parsonages appertainmg thereunto and other appurtenances, including the funds allotted to the churches. Article 3. It is especially agreed, however, that: 1) The arms and military stores existing m the Islands at the time of the cession and belonging to the Danish Government shall remain the property of that Government and shall, as soon as circumstances win permit, be removed by it, unless the}', or parts thereof, may have been bought by the Government of the United States: it being how- ever understood that flags and colors, imiforms and such arms or 12 CESSION OF THE DANISH WEST INDIES. military articles as are marked as being the property of the Danish Government shall not be included in such purchase. 2) The movables, especiall}' silver plate and pictures which may be found in the government buildings in the islands ceded and belong- mg to the Danish Government shall remain the property of that Government and shall, as soon as circumstances will permit, be removed by it. 3) The pecuniary claims now held by Denmark against the colonial treasuries of the islands ceded are altogether extmguished in conse- quence of this cession and the United vStates assumes no responsi- bility whatsoever for or m connection with these claims. Excepted is however the amount due to the Danish Treasury in account current with the West-Indian colonial treasuries pursuant to the making up of accounts in consequence of the cession of the islands; should on the other hand this final accounting show a balance in favour of the West-Indian colonial treasuries, the Danish Treasur}' shall pay that amount to the colonial treasuries. 4) The United vStates will maintain the following grants, conces- sions and licenses, given by the Danish Government, in accordance with the terms on which they are given: a. The concession granted to ''Det vestindiske Kompagni" (the West-Indian Company) Ltd. by the connnunications from the Ministry of Finance of January 18th, 1913, and of April 16th, 1913, relative to a license to embank, drain, deepen and utilize certain areas in St. Thomas Harbor and preferential rights as to commercial, industrial or shipping establislunents in the said Harbor. b. Agreement of August 10th and 14th, 1914, between the munici- pality of wSt. Thomas and St. John and "Det vestindiske Kompagni" Ltd. relative to the supply of the city of Charlotte Amalie with electric lighting. c. Concession of March 12th, 1897, to ''The Floating Dock Com- pany of St. Thomas Ltd.", subsequently transferred to "The St. Thomas Engineering and Coaling Company Ltd.'" relative to a floating dock in St. Thomas Harbor, in which concession the mainte- nance, extension, and alteration of the then existing repairing slip are reserved. d. Royal Decree Xr. 79 of Xovember 30th, 1914, relative to the subsidies from the colonial treasuries of St. Tliomas and Sainte Croix to "The West India and Panama Telegraph Company Ltd." e. Concession of November 3rd, 1906, to K. B. Hey to establish and operate a telephone system on St. Thomas island, which concession has subsequentlv been transferred to the "St. Thomas Telefon- selskab"Ltd. f. Concession of February 28th, 1913, to the municipality of Sainte Croix to establish and operate a telephone system in Sainte Croix. g. Concession of July 16th, 1915, to Ejnar Svendsen, an Engineer, for the construction and operation of an electric Hght plant in the city of Clmstiansted, Sainte Croix. h. Concession of June 20th, 1904, for the estabUslnnent of a Danish West-Indian bank of issue. This bank has for a period of 30 years acquired the monopoly to issue bank-notes in the Danish West-India islands agamst the payment to the Danish Treasury of a tax amounting to ten percent of its annual profits. CESSION OF THE DANISH WEST INDIES. 13 i. Guarantee according to the Danish supplementary Budget Law for the financial year 1908-1909 relative to the St. Thomas Harbor's four percent loan of 1910. 5) Whatever sum. shall be due to the Danish Treasury by private individuals on the date of the exchange of ratifications are reserved and do not pass by this cession; and where the Danish Government at that date holds property taken over by the Danish Treasury for sums due by private individuals, such property shall not pass by this cession, but the Danish Government shall sell or dispose of such property and remove its proceeds within two years from the date of the exchange of ratifications of this convention; the United States Government being entitled to sell by public auction, to the credit of the Danish Government, any portion of such property remaining unsold at the expiration of the said term of two years. 6) Tlie Colonial Treasuries shall continue to pay the yearly allow- ances now given to heretofore retired functionaries appointed in the islands but holding no Royal Commissions, unless such allowances may have until now been paid in Denmark. Article 4. The Danish Government shall appoint with convenient despatch an agent or agents for the purpose of formally delivering to a similar agent or agents appointed on behalf of the United States, the terri- tory, dominion, property, and appurtenances which are ceded hereby, and for doing any other act which may be necessary in regard thereto. Formal delivery of the territory and property ceded shall be made immediately after the payment by the United States of the sum of money stipulated in this convention; but the cession with the right of immediate possession is nevertheless to be deemed complete on the exchange of ratifications of this convention without such formal delivery. Any Danish military or naval forces which may be in the islands ceded shall be withdrawn as soon as may be practicable after the formal delivery, it being however understood that if the persons constituting these forces, after having terminated their Danisli serv- ice, do not wish to leave the Islands, they shall be allowed to remain there as civilians. Article 5. In full consideration of the cession made by this convention, the United States agrees to pay, within nmety days from the date of the exchange of the ratifications of this convention, in the City of Wash- ington to the diplomatic representative or other agent of His Majesty the Kmg of Denmark duly authorized to receive the money, the sum of twenty-five milUon dollars in gold coin of the United States. Article 6. Danish citizens residing in said islands may remain therein or may remove therefrom at will, retaming in either event aU their rights of property, including the right to seU or dispose of such property or its proceeds; in case they remain in the Islands, they shall continue until otherwise provided, to enjoy all the private, municipal and rehgious rights and liberties secured to them by the laws now in force. If 14 CESSIOX OF THE DAXISH WEST INDIES. the present laws are altered the said inhabitants shall not thereby be placed in a le-ss f arorable position in respect to the above-mentioned rights and hberties than they now enjoy. Those who remain in the islands may preserve their citizenship ui Denmark by making before a court of record, within one year from the date of the exchange of ratifications of this convention, a declaration of their decision to preserve such citizenship: in default of which declaration they shall be held to have renounced it. and to have accepted citizenship in the United State-s: for children mider eighteen years the said declaration may be made by their parents or guarcUans. Such election of Danish citizenship shall however not. after the lapse of the said term of one year, be a bar to their renunciation of their preserved Dcinish citizenship and their election of citizensliip in the United States and admission to the nationahty thereof on the same terms as may be provided according to the laws of the United States, for other inhabitants of the islands. The civil rights and the pohtical status of the inhabitants of the islands shaU be determined by the Congress, subject to the stipula- tions contained in the present convention. Danish citizens not residing in the islands but owning property therein at the time of the cession shall retain their rights of property, includuig the right to sell or dispose of such property, being ])laced in this regard on the same basis as the Danish citizens residing in the islands and remaining therein or removing therefrom, to whom the first paragraph of this article relates. Article 7. Danish subjects residing in the Islands shall be subject in matters civil as well as criminal to the jurisdiction of the couils of the Islands, Eursuant to the ordinary laws governing the same, and they shall ave the right to appear before such courts, and to pursue the same course therein as citizens of the country to which the courts belong. Article S. Judicial proceedings peudmg at the time of the. formal deUvery in the islands ceded shall be determined according to the following rules : (1 ) Judgments rendered either in civil suits between private indi- viduals, or in criminal matters, before the date mentioned, and with respect to which there is no recourse or right to review under Danish law, shall be deemed to be final, and shall be executed in due form and without any renewed trial whatsoever, by the competent authority in the territories within which such judgments are to be carried out. If in a criminal case a mode of pmiishinent has been appUed which, according to new rules, is no longer apphcable on the islands ceded after dehvery, the nearest corresponding punishment in the new rules shall be apphed. (2) Civil suits or criminal actions pending before the first courts, in which the pleadings have not been closed at the same time, shall be confirmed before the tribunals estabhshed in the ceded islands after the dehvery. in accordance with the law which shall thereafter be in force. (3 'I Civil suits and criminal actions pending at the said time before the Superior Court, or the Supreme Court in Denmark shall continue CESSION OF THE DAXISH WEST INDIES. 15 to be prosecuted before the Danish courts until final judgment accord- ing to the law hitherto in force. The judgment shall be executed in due form by the competent authority in the territories within which such judgment should be carried out. Article 9. The rights of property secured by copyrights and patents acquired by Danish subjects in the islands ceded at the tmie of exchange of the ratifications of this treaty shall continue to be respected. Aeticle 10. Treaties, conventions, and all other international agreements of any nature existing between Denmark and the United States shall eo ipso extend, in default of a provision to the contrarv, also to the ceded islands. Article 11. In case of differences of opmion arising between the High Contract- ing Parties in regard to the interpretation or application of this con- vention, such differences, if they can not be regulated through diplo- matic negotiations, shall be submitted for arbitration to the perma- nent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. Article 12. The ratifications of this convention shall be exchanged at Wash- ington as soon as possible after ratification by both of the High Contracting Parties accordmg to their respective procedure. In faith whereof the respective plenipotentiaries have signed and sealed this convention in the English and Danish languages. Done at New York this fourth day of August, one thousand nine himdred and sixteen. (seal) Robert Lansing. (seal) C. Brun. O LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 982 494 5