Copenhagen: Denmark has reiterated a long-standing military directive that allows its soldiers to shoot first immediately if any foreign force attempts to invade Danish territory, a clarification that comes amid US President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about taking control of Greenland.
According to Denmark’s Defence Ministry, the directive dates back to 1952 and was formulated during the Cold War. It authorises troops to respond instantly to an invasion without waiting for orders from senior commanders. The 1952 rule states that in the event of an invasion, troops should respond “without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war”.
The rule was originally introduced after Nazi Germany invaded Denmark in 1940, when communication lines collapsed and delays proved costly. The policy has remained in force ever since.
The clarification was issued as Trump continues to publicly assert that Greenland, an autonomous territory governed by Denmark, is crucial to US national security. He has repeatedly suggested that the United States could take control of the Arctic island by force if necessary, citing the presence of Russian and Chinese vessels in the region.
What Denmark has to do with Trump’s Greenland takeover remarks?
While Greenland has its own government, Denmark retains authority over defence and foreign policy, making Copenhagen a central player in any potential conflict involving the territory. Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, which oversees military operations in Greenland, would be responsible for determining whether any foreign action qualifies as an attack under the directive.
Trump has argued that ownership of Greenland would give Washington strategic advantages that treaties or leases cannot. In an interview with The New York Times, he said full control of the island was necessary, despite the existence of a 1951 agreement that already allows the US to establish military bases in Greenland with Danish and local consent.
Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected the idea of selling the territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned this week that a military attempt to seize Greenland would effectively end Nato, stating that an attack on one alliance member by another would halt all cooperation.