A PROCLAMATION


 Whereas a Convention between the United States of America and Denmark
 providing for the cession to the United States of all territory asserted or claimed by
 Denmark in the West Indies, including the islands of St. Thomas, St. John and
 St. Croix, together with the adjacent islands and rocks, was concluded and signed by
 their respective Plenipotentiaries at the City of New York on the fourth day of August,
 one thousand nine hundred and sixteen, the original of which Convention, being in the
 English and Danish languages, is word for word as follows:

 The United States of America and His Majesty the King of Denmark 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 United States,
 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 King of Denmark by this convention cedes to the United States
 all territory, dominion and sovereignty, possessed, asserted or claimed by Denmark in
 the West Indies including the Islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John and Saint Croix
 together with the adjacent islands and rocks.

 This cession includes the right of property in all public, government, or crown
lands, public buildings, wharves, ports, harbors, fortifications, barracks, public funds,
rights, franchises, and privileges, and all other public property of every kind or
description now belonging to Denmark together with all appurtenances thereto.

 In this cession shall also be included any government archives, records, papers
or documents which 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 required 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 apply for them.