INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS 



As was pointed out earlier in this chapter, the United States lays 

 claim to no territory in the arctic region other than Alaska, nor 

 does it endorse the Sector Principle. Under modern conditions, 

 possessions in the region are of great value, particularly to a 

 major power, for defense as well as other reasons. The United 

 States satisfies its defense requirements by means of agreements 

 with other governments rather than by seeking possessions of its 

 own to be utilized in this manner. Following is a brief discussion 

 of the United States agreements with Denmark, Canada, and Ice- 

 land. 



AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE DEFENSE OF GREENLAND 



When German forces invaded and occupied Denmark in April, 

 1940, it opened the way for possible German occupation of Den- 

 mark's possession, Greenland, and its utilization as a base for op- 

 erations against North America. Under the pressure of this 

 threat, the local authorities in Greenland adopted a resolution 

 (3 May 1940) expressing the hope that, for as long as Greenland 

 remains cut off from the mother country, the United States Gov- 

 ernment would keep in mind Greenland's exposed position. 



There was no question of the fact that the defense of Greenland 

 against attack by a non-American power was essential to the pres- 

 ervation of the peace and security of the American continent and 

 a matter of vital concern to our country. There was no practical 

 way in which an agreement with the Danish home government 

 could be made because of the German occupation. However, the 

 1940 resolution of the Greenland authorities did offer a practical, 

 legal basis for negotiation. In view of this extraordinary political 

 situation, the Danish Ambassador felt himself to be free and com- 

 petent to enter into an agreement with the United States in the 

 name of his King, although lacking specific authorization to do so. 

 In short, it was felt that the King was no longer a free agent. The 

 Danish Ambassador and Secretary Hull signed an agreement con- 

 cerning the defense of Greenland on 9 April 1941. 



In the treaty the United States Government specifically re- 

 iterated its recognition of and respect for Danish sovereignty over 

 Greenland. Recognizing that Greenland might be "converted into 

 a point of aggression" against this continent, we accepted the re- 

 sponsibility for assisting Greenland in the maintenance of its 

 security. The agreement gives us the right to construct, maintain, 



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