Bisbee daily review., 1916-07-26
Two Countries Practically in Agreement; Treaty Trans ferring Islands Expected to be Completed Today NEGOTIATIONS
 KEPT SECRET Fears Still Held Third Nation May Butt in and Spoil all- Islands Needed for big Naval Base
(By Review Leased wire) ]

 WASHINGTON, July 25.-OnIy determination of a few minor de- tails remains to complete negotia-
 tions of a treaty between the United States and Denmark pro Viding for acquisition of the Dan ish West Indies by this govern ment at purchase price of S25.- 100000.
 So nearly in agreement are the two governments that an official White House announcement this morning predicted that the treaty undoubtedly would be signed during the day. To- night the delay in closing the negotia- tions was not explained but it was indicated that no material barrier to their successful outcome had develop ed
 Signing May Be Delayed It was suggested that the signing might await the return of Secretary Lansing from his vacation early in August.
 Deal Kept Secret
 The exact provision of the agree ment is being closely guarded in the belief that publicity at this time might place the negOtiators at a disadvsn- tage. officials reluctantly confirmed that the purchase virtually had been cOnsummated and betrayed displeas- ure that reports from the advance status of the negotitions had been cir culated in last nights press dispatch es Their chief concern is understood to be the possibility that some third nation might bring pressure to bear to defeat their project
 In general terms the treaty is un- derstCod 10 follow one negotiated in 1902 by the two governments but which lapsed when the Danish parlia- menJ failed to ratify 1t. after the United States had acted favorably lt is said to contemplate complete American acquisition of the group. which lies east Of Porto Rico and is regarded as of great strategic military value RelinQuishment of undehned American claims through right of dis covery in Greenland, a Danish colony also is said ;0 be included.
 The treaty of 1902. in common with other uncompleted purchase proposals that have been considered between the two governments during the last half century. provided that the islands should not be transferred until their inhabitants had voted approval IL Is presumed the present treaty bears such provision. but the Possibility of an unfavorable vote by the island CTS is considered very remote
 Denmark May Back Out.
 Whether the Danish Parliament might again defeat ratification is un- derstood . be matter of speculation among officials here. General conf- dence in favorable action is felt in most quarters, out diplomats are sen sitive to the tact that Denmark. hem med in as she is among the European powers, some of whom might desire the Danish Indies for themselves might feel strongly any pressure her neighbOrs brought to bear to prevent the sale l. Is recalled that failure of the 1902 treaty was attributed to German influences.
 No difficulty Is anticipated. on the other hand, in securing ratification or the purchase treaty by the United States Senate. An effort probably will be made to secure favorable action there before the present session of Congress ends. The foreign relations is understood to have been in close touch with the negotiations since their inception. and leaders on both sides of the chamber received to- days White House announcement with general satisfaction.