VZCZCXYZ0019
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHRK #0025 0531656
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 221656Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY REYKJAVIK
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 3573
UNCLAS REYKJAVIK 000025
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR EUR/NB DESK OFFICER STEPHEN WHEELER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL IC
SUBJECT: ICELANDIC MFA REQUESTS FOIA INFORMATION ON HALLDOR
LAXNESS
1. (U) Post received a diplomatic note from the Icelandic MFA
requesting FOIA information on Iceland's eminent Nobel Prize winner,
Halldor Laxness (1902-1998). Laxness, one of Iceland's most famous
citizens, remains a topic of considerable public interest, and the
question of what historical documents concerning him may be in U.S.
archives is debated frequently in the press here. Text of dip
note follows.
2. (U) (Begin Text)
2/15/2008
Ref.: UTN07120142/34.O.010
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the
Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to request
information about documents regarding Mr. Halldor Kiljan Laxness.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs would like to inquire on behalf of
Mr. Halldor Kiljan Laxness's descendents what documents concerning
Mr. Halldor Kiljan Laxness are available and what restrictions or
classifications remain on any documents not already made available
to the family of Mr. Halldor Kiljan Laxness.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs avails itself of this opportunity
to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America and
assurance of its highest consideration.
(End Text)
3. (SBU) Action Request: Post would appreciate an expeditious
formal response to the diplomatic note. We understand that the
Foreign Minister takes a personal interest in this matter, and note
that she intends to visit Washington in early April.
van Voorst