Denmark Reaffirms Immediate Fire Rule for Greenland
Denmark’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that a Cold War era rule still requires Danish soldiers to open fire immediately if Greenland is attacked, without waiting for political orders or higher command approval, regardless of the attacker.
The rule, first adopted in March 1952, applies to Greenland as part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s territory and remains fully valid under current defense law.
1952 Directive Remains Active
Copenhagen clarified the standing wartime instruction after public debate about how Danish forces would respond if Greenland came under attack. According to the defence ministry the directive obliges troops to resist any armed invasion promptly and without awaiting further orders.
This instruction was drafted in the early Cold War, aimed at preventing a repeat of World War II surprise attacks where delayed resistance worsened outcomes.
Scope and Legal Basis
Under the directive, Danish commanders must not delay or hesitate to engage an invading force, even if they are not yet formally aware of a declaration of war. Troops are instructed to resist with all available means, and ignore dubious orders that might come from compromised authorities.
The rule is part of Denmark’s broader defense legislation and is not newly created, but reaffirmed as fully applicable to Greenland’s defense posture.
Context in Arctic Security Debate
The recent confirmation followed renewed geopolitical focus on Greenland’s strategic location and discussion in allied capitals about Arctic security and territorial sovereignty. While Denmark and Greenland insist the island is not for sale, remarks by foreign leaders about Greenland’s role in broader national security debates prompted Copenhagen to reiterate its legal defence framework.
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