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Greenland, 1941-1942
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Diplomatic Correspondence
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PSF
Greenland
1941-42
Brentand
Prenklin D. Roosevelt Library
Op-12A-4-drc
BECLASSIFIED
(SC) EF22-2
Ser. 042812
DOB DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58)
Date 25-66
CONFIDENTIAL
Signature- Carl L. specer
Memorandum for THE PRESIDENT.
Subject: Greenland.
1.
The Navy Department has given particular atten-
tion to the possible uses of GREENLAND for naval purposes since
the occupation of Denmark by Germany in April 1940. The
numerous available reports of expeditions sent to Greenland
by various nations for the purpose of investigating aviation
operating conditions have been reviewed, and conferences have
been held with individuals having knowledge of conditions in
Greenland.
2.
One of the attached charts shows the relative
location of possible bases in Greenland and a mean track for
convoys en route to the vicinity of Iceland. It also shows
average ice conditions for the month of May. The distances
from open ports to the convoy track are too great for profit-
able employment in convoy protection of aircraft operating
from Greenland bases.
3.
The other attached chart has been marked to
show the periods when the various ports are usually open to
navigation by small ships built especially for Greenland opera-
tions. The periods when twin screw naval vessels of light
construction can operate are considerably shorter. It is to
be understood that fields of drifting pack ice may be encountered
at any time, either in the open sea or along the coast, depending
on wind conditions.
4.
It is quite well established as the result of
the various expeditions which have attempted to locate sites
for landing fields that the practicable sites are limited to
those in the vicinity of SCORESBY SOUND and MACKENZIE BAY on
the Northeast Coast, in the vicinity of SONDRESTROMFJORD on the
West Coast, and to possible sites now under investigation on
the Southwest Coast near JULIANEHAAB.
- 1 -
Franklin D. Library
BECLASS
BOD DIR
18)
CONFIDENTIAL
(SC)EF22-2
Ser. 042812
Date- 10-25-66
CONFIDENTIAL
Carl specer
5.
All authorities agree that it is possible to
operate landplanes on skis on the ice cap to the extent that
logistic support permits. Buildings and equipment left on the
icecap become buried in subsequent snows and do not reappear.
Snow houses are used on the ice cap and they must be renewed
each three months to avoid burial in the snow.
6.
Flying conditions in the Greenland area are
affected by fog and by local gales. Fogs are more frequent
at the border of the offshore ice than near land; more frequent
on the coast than in the interior; more frequent in the open
season than in the closed; and more frequent in the south than
farther north. HOLSTERNBORG and SCORESBY SOUND have much less
fog than JULIANEHAAB, CAPE FAREWELL and ANGMAGSSALIK. Local
gales which reach force 12 are prevalent, particularly where
the ice cap comes close to the coast.
7.
During the winter months the shorter hours of
daylight interfere with flying. Flying over the ice cap is
relatively difficult due to winds, fog and the altitude re-
quired.
8.
Seaplane operations are controlled by ice con-
ditions and are necessarily limited to the open season in each
area. In operating seaplanes it is necessary to consider not
only the larger bodies of ice, but also the small pieces of ice
which drift into the fjords even during the open season and are
sufficient to wreck a plane landing or taking off or even at
anchor. It is reported to be unsafe to operate patrol planes
in any part of Greenland except from mid-June to late September.
There is no assurance of suitable conditions for patrol plane
operation on the East Coast at any time of year.
9.
For seaplane operations it is advantageous to
use small seaplanes which can be hoisted on board their parent
ships, or small amphibians which can be taxied out wherever
shelving beaches may exist.
10.
The importance of Greenland for aeronautical
purposes arises from:
(a) The possibility of constructing landing
fields for the use of short range aircraft being flown
to the British Isles.
(b) The possibility of occasional use of its
waters by naval seaplanes engaged in operations over the
Northern Atlantic.
- 2 -
Frasklin D. Roosevelt Library
BECLASSIFIED
CONF
(SC)EF22-2
Ser. 042812
120ml
DOD
DIR.
5200.9 (9/27/58)
CONF IDENTIAL
Date 10-25-66
10. (Cont'd)
cad 1. spicer
(c) The value to all aircraft flying between
North America and the British Isles of meteorological
and radio direction finding stations in Greenland.
11.
Unless landing fields can be located in Greenland
in positions such that they combine to make a complete landplane
route actually useful to us, it appears that the development of
isolated landing fields may be of questionable value because
of the defense requirements thereby created.
12.
A joint Army-Navy-Coast Guard expedition is now
in the JULIANEHAAB area with orders to:
(a) Determine whether or not it is practicable
to establish in South Greenland a land airdrome suitable
for the use of military and naval aircraft.
(b) Ascertain whether or not it is practicable
to operate patrol planes with tender support from Southern
Greenland, and report upon the areas considered most
suitable for this purpose.
(c) Locate a suitable site for a meteorological
station and a radio station for use in supporting naval
and air operations in the South Greenland area and
adjacent sea areas in the North Atlantic.
13.
The Joint Board is proceeding with the develop-
ment of a basic joint plan for such defense of Greenland as is
required by the inclusion of Greenland in the system of coopera-
tive hemispheric defense.
14.
Meanwhile, it is proposed that the Navy Depart-
ment:
(a) Establish a complete meteorological and
radio station in the Cape Farewell area.
(b) Augment the Coast Guard patrol of the
waters of Greenland as necessary, fitting out for this
purpose suitable ships, including the BEAR and NORTH STAR
now with the Antarctic Expedition, and using small ship-
based seaplanes and amphibians to extend the surface patrol.
(c) Continue to cooperate with the Army in sur-
veying possible naval bases, troop bases, airdrome sites,
and seaplane operating areas with a view to more extensive
operations if required.
- 3 -
THIS OVERSIZE ITEM HAS BEEN
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90°
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Scale 10000000
(for Standard Parallels 36' and 54/Narth Latitude)
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Description
PSF Greenland
April 30, 1941.
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE SECRETARY OF WAR
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
SUBJECT: Prevention of German Activity in the Scoresby
Sound Region, Greenland.
1. In paragraph H of your report of April 22nd,
you suggest that until July the only practicable way of
locating and eliminating sich stations (German) is by
the use of Iceland, both for the immediate operation of
radio intercept and direction finding stations, and later
as a base for airoraft operating against stations located.
2. I do not think that we should wait until we
can get a specially constructed ship up to Scoresby Sound
in mid-July, though we should plan to have the USS BEAR
go there then. I understand that one other ship, the
NORTH STAR or the NORTHLAND is similarly strengthened
for ice conditions. Perhaps two ships should go together.
The object of this July expedition would be to thoroughly
search out and eliminate any German or so-called Norwegian
weather stations or bombing plane base.
3. I cannot agree that Germany will not attempt
to establish a military base in Northeast Greenland this
year. I think Germany will probably seek to get a
definite foothold even if this foothold can only defend
its own location. Therefore, our own expedition should
be fitted out with sufficient guns to hold the Scoresby
Sound area until early September, leaving just before
the 100 closes in.
4. In addition to the above expedition by sea,
I suggest that one or two Navy patrol planes fly im-
mediately (as soon as possible) to Newfoundland and
thence to Iceland, after the requisite arrangements
have been made at the latter place. This will not be
an unneutral act, as Iceland is independent and not a
party to the war. These two planes should stay in
-2-
Iceland as short a time as possible, making one or two
flights from there over the Scoresby Sound area for close
observation purposes, returning immediately to Iceland.
When their mission is accomplished, they should return
at once to Newfoundland.
5. In regard to your Paragraph #11, I think that
(a) is unnecessary, as I have already announced that
Greenland falls within the Monroe Doctrine.
I approve (b), (e), (d) and (e). I suggest
a modification of (f), as I do not think we are prepared
at this time to use Iceland as a permanent or semi-
permanent base. Its use for one specific purpose, as
outlined above, 1.8., one or two inspection flights
over Northeast Greenland, only, is approved.
F. D. R.
PSF Greenland
WAR AND NAVY DEPARTMENTS
Washington
APR 22 1941
Memorandum for THE PRESIDENT:
Subject:
Prevention of German Activity in the Scoresby Sound
Region.
1.
During the summer of 1940 Germany made numerous attempts
to establish weather stations in Northeast Greenland. Three small
Norwegian vessels were sent under German control to establish such
stations. The British took counter measures using a Norwegian
gunboat operating under British Admiralty control. They landed
British personnel at Myggbukta for a brief period; they dismantled
two Norwegian radio stations and removed their personnel; they seized
Danish Navy supplies of aviation fuel; they captured personnel landed
by a German controlled Norwegian vessel, and seized one of the three
Norwegian vessels mentioned above.
2.
German aircraft have since appeared over Northeast
Greenland on at least three occasions. It is suspected that a
German controlled weather station is still in operation in Green-
land although no definite information has been received on this
point.
3.
The region involved in these activities includes
Scoresby Sound, King Oscar Fjord and the Mackenzie Bay area between
latitudes 70° North and 73° 30' North. In this region are reported
to exist the best sites on the East Coast for developing landing
fields. The area is normally open to navigation only from mid-July
to early September and then only to ships especially constructed
for Arctic operations.
4.
Owing to ice conditions, the only German activity
feasible in Northeastern Greenland prior to July is the maintenance
or establishment by air of weather stations. Until July, the only
practicable way of locating and eliminating such stations is by
the use of Iceland, both for the immediate operation of radio
intercept and direction finding stations, and later as a base for
-1-
aircraft operating against stations located.
5.
The importance to Germany of regular meteorological
reports from Greenland indicates that when ice conditions permit,
in July, Germany may attempt to establish new weather stations
and to send supplies to any which may now be in operation. Since
the region involved is slightly less than 1000 miles from German
bases in Norway, attempt may also be made to establish aviation
facilities, but it is believed that such facilities will be limited
to those needed for aircraft cooperating with the weather stations.
6.
Ships to be used in Northeast Greenland, either by
Germany or by us, must have been especially constructed for work
in pack ice. Operations must be limited accordingly. For this
reason it is not believed that any attempt will be made to establish
a naval base in the region. Owing to the relative proximity of
landing fields available to her, Germany can utilize aircraft to
supply her stations by air. Without a base in Iceland, we can not.
7.
The terrain in the region is such that troop movements
over long distances are not practicable by land. Passage over the
ice cap can be accomplished only by very small numbers of men after
elaborate preparations. Accordingly the establishment of a military
garrison on shore is effective only for the defense of its own lo-
cation, and is ineffective as a means of denying other locations.
It is not believed, therefore, that Germany will attempt to estab-
lish a military base in Northeast Greenland this year.
8.
The most effective means available for preventing the
type of activity expected is the use of ships suitable for arctic
work, equipped with aircraft for observation purposes, and prepared
to land detachments to seize the personnel and material of any
German stations located. We have three such ships, - the Coast
Guard Cutter NORTHLAND, and the BEAR and NORTH STAR now returning
from the Antarctic. Each ship should have guns installed and be
equipped with an observation seaplane or amphibian. Such of the
present equipment and personnel of the Antarctic Expedition as may
be useful and available should be retained. The crews of the ships
should be augmented to include well trained landing parties.
9.
Although their operations may not be absolutely effec-
tive against surreptitious activities, the entry into the region,
as soon as ice conditions permit, of these three ships will make it
more difficult for Germany to establish stations than was the case
last summer. If Germany chooses to use force, she may destroy any
-2-
or all of the ships by air attack. Our only safeguard against
such action is Germany's knowledge of the consequences. If
Germany should land in Northeast Greenland, for any purpose, a
force too strong to be dealt with by ships which can enter the
region, it will be necessary for us to resort to the use of superior
force. The most effective way of doing so locally, until such time
as we may have a base in South or West Greenland, is to use air-
craft based on Iceland.
10.
The use of the NORTHLAND, BEAR and NORTH STAR for
operations in Northeast Greenland will make it necessary for the
War Department to modify its former plan to use two of them to
accomplish the survey of the Southeast coast of Greenland, for
the purpose of locating a landing field, previously directed by
the President. The desired survey probably can be accomplished,
although with somewhat less certainty and effectiveness, by using
the smaller short range cutters of the ALGONQUIN class, which are
partially strengthened for work in ice, and by refueling them in
the Julianehaab area.
11.
After considering the probable extent of German opera-
tions in Northeast Greenland during the summer of 1941, it is
recommended:
(a) That announcement be made that European military
activities in Greenland will be resisted by the United States.
(b) That the British be requested to operate the
necessary radio intercept and direction finding equipment in
Iceland.
(c) That no United States garrison be established in
Northeast Greenland this year.
(d) That a naval expedition be prepared now for such
use as may be necessary in Northeast Greenland, including the
NORTHLAND, BEAR, and NORTH STAR operating under naval control,
and that other ships be employed for surveys elsewhere.
(e) That sufficient equipment and supplies be carried
to permit one ship to winter in the region if found necessary.
(f) That, if more force becomes necessary, the fore-
going action be supplemented by patrol plane operations, using
Iceland as a base.
Newry h Stinson Frankstron
The Secretary of War.
The Secretary of the Navy
-3-
PSF
Bot
Greenland
(SC) EF22-2
Ser. 066812
Gen
SECRET
SECRET
JUN 11 1941
Memorandum for THE PRESIDENT.
Subject:
Greenland Radio Stations.
1.
An air reconnaissance of the east
coast of Greenland has been completed by naval
patrol planes based on a tender stationed at
Reykjavik. No signs of German activity were
found.
2.
Report has been received by dis-
patch that radio stations seen showed Danish or
Norwegian flags and were those known previously
to exist.
3.
The radio stations known to exist
on the East Coast of Greenland are those operated
under the supervision of the Greenland Government
at ANGMAGSSALIK, SCORESBY SOUND, ELLA ISLAND,
ESKIMONAES on Clavering Island, and MOERKEFJORD.
Persovelt Library
DECLASSIBIED
DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58)
Date- 10-26-44
Signature- Care I. spicer
SECRET
WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF
WASHINGTON
August 7, 1942.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT:
Subject: Joint Plan for the Defense of Greenland.
In your action of June 7, 1941, approving the plan for
the defense of Greenland, you indicated that a study of the use
of the Ice Cap west of Scoresby Sound by patrol planes should be
made,
Investigations of conditions on the Ice Cap have reached
the stage where it is considered practicable to select suitable
landing areas on the Ice Cap for aircraft engaged in reconnais-
sance missions or being ferried across the Atlantic. A detachment
of officers and enlisted men has accordingly been sent to
Greenland with the mission of locating landing areas and at the
same time investigating the possibilities of establishing Air-
craft Warning Service Stations on the Ice Cap.
In connection with the investigation of Aircraft Warning
Service possibilities, efforts to install such stations elsewhere
in Greenland have been unsuccessful due to peculier terrain
conditions. It appears, however, that detector stations may be
established on the Ice Cap. It is proposed to establish one
station on the Sondrestromfjord-Angmagssalik route and one between
Narserssuak and Reykjavik. It is hoped that these stations will
be in operation in their primary stages by September first of
this year. I will keep you informed of the progress that is made.
your Chief of Staff.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Library
BECLASSIFIED
DOD DIR. 5200.9 (9/27/58)
Dat 10-25-66
SECRET
Signature- Carl I. spicer