Greenland in the War Zone?

Southland Times, Issue 24420, 28 April 1941, Page 4

Greenland in the War Zone?

AT a Press conference on Friday President Roosevelt admitted “with frank surprise” that Greenland might already be partly occupied by Axis forces. It is little more than a fortnight since an agreement was signed by Mr Cordell Hull and the Danish Minister in Washington permitting the establishment of American air bases in Greenland. Mr Roosevelt declared then that “it was proposed to make sure the big island would remain a Danish colony,” and added that the agreement, in effect, brought the territory under the protection of the United States Government. The step was probably intended as a general precautionary measure; but it may be significant that on the day the agreement was signed the President was reported to be considering a proposal to send war materials in American ships to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Although this port, the starting point of most North Atlantic convoys, is in belligerent waters, it was believed to be immune from enemy interference, and the innovation would allow more British vessels to use the safer northern routes. American bases in Greenland would constitute a “Keep Out” sign to the Nazis, indirectly protecting the sea lanes near the shores of Canada. Apparently the same thought occurred to the Germans, who seem to have acted promptly and secretly. It is doubtful if submarines could operate from the fiords of the western coast (the eastern coast is uninhabitable), for even in summer the territorial waters are encumbered with driftice from the Spitzbergen sea. But long-range bombers could prey on the northern shipping routes; they might also be able to raid the British garrison in Iceland. The purpose of the British occupation of Iceland was to prevent the Germans from using the island either as a base for submarine and air warfare, or as a stepping stone for invasion. If the enemy is able to establish himself strongly in Greenland he will possess, not merely points of attack on the west as well as the east (in Norway) of Iceland, but also a bridge-head to the New World.

It is this latter view of the situation which will excite public opinion in the United States. From a political—and British —point of view, the disclosure is timely. Although Greenland is the second largest island in the world, only a comparatively small area on the west coast is under settled government or fit for human occupancy. Obviously there can be no question of a compromise which would allow the Germans to control' one corner of the territory, while the Americans settled down at a comfortable dis-

tance from a potential enemy. Big though Greenland may be, it is not big enough to contain German and American bases at the same time. What will the United States Government do about this awkward development? It has signed an agreement with the only Danish Minister recognized in Washington, and has announced its intention of building air bases. To draw back because the Nazis are first on the scene would be a severe blow to American pride. Yet to persevere may involve an act of war against Germany. Two senators have already expressed what may be the dominant reaction of the people. “If the Nazis are in Greenland,” said one, _ “we have got to throw them out.” “I guess,” said another, “we are beginning to recognize the facts of life.” It will be surprising if the isolationists can do much to soften the jolt to America’s sense of security. For months past, responsible spokesmen have been warning the public that the Atlantic is not wide enough to confer safety in a world threatened by Nazi aggression. Now the truth is made suddenly manifest. Greenland may seem a long way from Washington, and the German occupation is still unconfirmed. But the warning is plain. If President Roosevelt retains his old skill in the psychology of public opinion he should realize that the moment is opportune for a bolder convoy policy.