Provisions
The price that was agreed on was 25 million dollars in gold for all three islands. The sale comprised the three islands with their neighboring islets and reefs. The American state took over ownership of all public property, with the exception of military possessions and movables (such as silverware, furniture and paintings) in the houses of the government. In addition, the Americans approved a number of privileges that had previously been granted to the owners of electricity companies, floating docks, the national bank and the like.
Citizenship
Danish citizens on the islands could choose to remain there or move away, and in both cases they could continue to hold Danish citizenship. However, the great majority of Danes chose to leave the colony shortly after the transfer to America.
Ratification
The draft treaty was ratified by the Danish parliament on 20th December and by the king on 22nd December following vehement political debate and after a referendum on the sale of the islands. The American president ratified the treaty on 16th January 1917.
It had thus been decided that the Danish West Indies were to be transferred to the USA. As it was a matter of urgency for the Americans, it was soon agreed that the transfer would take place already on 31st March 1917.
See the full text of the treaty here.
