‘Shoot first, ask later’: Denmark’s stern warning to US amid Greenland annexation talk

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – Denmark has taken a firm stance amid US President Donald Trump's aggressive statements regarding Greenland. According to media reports, the Danish Defense Ministry has clearly warned that if any foreign power attacks its territory, its troops will retaliate immediately without waiting for orders.

This rule, which has been in effect in Denmark since 1952, allows soldiers to take up arms in the event of an external attack, even without the permission of their superiors. The Ministry of Defense has clarified that this rule remains in effect today.

The history of this rule dates back to World War II.

The background of this rule dates back to 1940, when Germany invaded Denmark. At that time, communications were disrupted, and soldiers were unable to receive clear instructions. It was then decided to prevent such a situation from recurring in the future, and soldiers were given the authority to retaliate immediately after an attack.

This warning comes amid growing tensions over Greenland, including the US's claims of annexation or purchase. Greenland is a strategic island in the Atlantic Ocean that has been under Danish rule for nearly 300 years. Denmark determines its foreign and defense policies.

The public opposes the US occupation.

A survey conducted last year showed 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose the US occupation. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Fredrik Nielsen, has repeatedly stated that "Greenland is not for sale."

A 1951 defense agreement between Greenland and the United States was updated in 2004 to include Greenland's semi-autonomous government, ensuring that local populations are not affected by US military activities.

US Military Presence: US established several military bases in Greenland during World War II. Some remained after the war, although most were closed after the Cold War. Currently, the US maintains the Pitufik Space Base, which is used for missile tracking. Denmark also has a limited military presence and recently announced plans to upgrade its base.

According to reports, the White House is considering paying Greenland's citizens between $10,000 and $100,000 per person to persuade them to join the United States. If implemented, this plan could cost Greenland, with a population of approximately 57,000, between $5 billion and $6 billion .

Sources say the US is considering not only economic proposals, but also diplomatic and military options. Donald Trump previously spoke of buying Greenland as a "real estate deal" in 2019, a proposal rejected by both Denmark and Greenland.

Trump claims and questions NATO

Trump says that Greenland is vital to US national security due to the presence of Russian and Chinese ships. He believes that a mere treaty or lease is not sufficient, but that control over the entire territory is essential.

Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that if the US attacks a NATO ally, both NATO and the global security system built after World War II will be at risk. Several European countries have also issued a joint statement saying that only its people and Denmark can decide Greenland's future.