________"It is such an interesting drama to see a nation create itself, that I – if I now had not been who I am – would go to America to follow up close every phase in the emergence of this new republic. – This perhaps is America's century. The new republic, which hardly has a population put together better than Rome had to begin with, may perhaps take advantage of Europe some day, in the same manner as Europe has taken advantage of America for two centuries. No matter what, I cannot help but admire their courage and enthusiastically appreciate their daring." - Gustav III, October 1776.
The United States of America and the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway,
REMEMBERING the long historical friendship between the peoples of America and Scandinavia, dating back to the support provided by King Gustav III and other Swedes to the early patriots of the American Revolutionary War,
RECOGNIZING the Treaty of Amity and Commerce signed between the two states on 3 April 1783, regulating not only the aforementioned friendship but also many privileges of commerce and naval transportation,
NOTICING a mutual need for cooperation in the Arctic Ocean, in the spirit of joint economic and geopolitical interests as well as scientific exploration,
Have decided to conclude the present Treaty and have appointed their plenipotentiaries and, having exchanged their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed as follows:
Concluded and Signed in Gothenburg, Sweden, on this 1st of April, 1898.ARTICLE I
The United States of America recognizes that the island known as JAN MAYEN and all oceanic rocks connected to its immediate area, located in the Arctic Ocean, is the lawful property of the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway.
ARTICLE II
The island of JAN MAYEN shall be leased to the United States for a duration of 25 years, for scientific and maritime usage. In return, the United States will transfer funds equivalent 25 credits to the United Kingdoms. After this duration has passed, the United States will have the option to immediately this Treaty for the same duration in return for another equivalent transfer of funds, unless the other party of it decides to end the agreement.
ARTICLE III
The primary uses of JAN MAYEN by the United States will be as a base for scientific expeditions to the Arctic, for the collection of data connected to geology, marine biology, meteorology, and other sciences, and as a coaling/resupply/medical station for American ships. Swedish-Norwegian ships will be likewise allowed to carry out scientific operations and naval resupply on JAN MAYEN in the American facilities, but only if a request for such is approved by the USA.
ARTICLE IV
The island shall be administrated by the US Navy, to ensure the safety of all mariners on the island, and American law will apply to all visitors, unless they are Swedish-Norwegian citizens, in which case Swedish-Norwegian law will apply. The United States are obliged to provide aid to all distressed ships or sailors in the vicinity of JAN MAYEN, should they request such aid or be in obvious distress, regardless of nationality.
ARTICLE V
All objects and ships wrecked on JAN MAYEN will be the property of the United States, unless it can be proven that it was originally owned by a citizen of the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway. All bodily remains of sailors and others found on JAN MAYEN must be granted Christian burial by the United States, and all information surrounding them registered to allow for identification.
ARTICLE VI
To preserve the unique history and nature of JAN MAYEN, the construction of maritime structures by the United States will be limited to the area known as BOAT BAY, and the United States must take the utmost care to avoid damage to historical structures and local flora/fauna. Scientific structures may be constructed elsewhere, such as meteorological stations. Hunting may only take place in case of emergencies.
ARTICLE VII
One annual inspection by Swedish-Norwegian maritime authorities will take place on JAN MAYEN, to ensure the above articles are carried out in full.
ARTICLE VIII
The present Treaty shall come into effect immediately after the date of its signature.
