1916 Document Contradicts Trump’s Claim on Greenland Ownership History
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A declaration signed in 1916 by then-US Secretary of State Robert Lansing appears to refute former President Donald Trump’s assertion that “no written documents exist” regarding Danish ownership of Greenland. The discovery underscores a complex history surrounding the island’s sovereignty and potential US interest.
A report by The Guardian details the document, which was issued alongside the agreement between the United States and Denmark for the trade of the West Indies. The text explicitly states the US government’s position at the time.
US Position on Greenland in 1916
According to the document, dated August 4, 1916, and signed in New York, the US government would not oppose Denmark extending its “political and economic interests” to all of Greenland. The full text reads: “In proceeding today with the signing of the Convention relating to the cession of the Danish West Indian Islands to the United States of America, the undersigned Secretary of State of the United States of America, duly authorized by his Government, has the honor to declare that the Government of the United States of America will not object to the extension of its political and economic interests by the Danish Government to the whole of Greenland.”
This statement directly challenges the former president’s recent claims, suggesting a historical record exists acknowledging Danish claims to Greenland.
Historical Context of US-Denmark Relations
The 1916 declaration arose during negotiations for the purchase of the Danish West Indies – now the US Virgin Islands. The exchange involved a complex set of considerations, and the US apparently signaled its acceptance of Danish control over Greenland as part of the broader agreement. This historical context is crucial to understanding the document’s significance.
The revelation raises questions about the basis of Trump’s previous statements regarding Greenland and the extent of his familiarity with historical US foreign policy. It also highlights the long-standing relationship between the US and Denmark, and the evolving dynamics of their respective interests in the Arctic region.
The document serves as a tangible piece of evidence in a debate over Greenland’s history and sovereignty, offering a new perspective on a previously contentious issue.
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