A Danish order from 1952 obliges soldiers to fight even against allies

Under a 1952 decree, Danish soldiers are obliged to launch a counterattack in the event of an attack on Danish territory or their units, even without a direct order. The document, which is still in force, has once again come to the fore following statements by US President Donald Trump about a possible takeover of Greenland.

According to the daily newspaper Berlingske, this would mean that Danish soldiers stationed on the island would also have to respond in the event of an attack by US forces. The order explicitly states that the attacked units must immediately engage in combat without waiting for orders.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in this regard that "everything will end" if the United States attacks Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Researcher Kenneth Øhlenschlæger Buhl pointed out that in the event of an unexpected arrival of US troops, the commander of the Arctic Command would be responsible for the decision. At the same time, he warned against the possibility of exploiting the situation as a pretext for military takeover.

Greenland is of strategic importance to the US, mainly because of the Thule Air Base, which plays a role in the missile defense system, and also because of its mineral wealth.

(max)