Whisky War

Last updated

Whisky War
Part of the Arctic policy of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Arctic policy of Canada
Hans Island, 2003-08-01, UTC 2301, HDMS Triton, Commanding Officer, Cdr. s.g. Per Starklint.jpg
The commanding officer of the Danish warship HDMS Triton on Hans Island during August 2003
Date1973 – 14 June 2022
Location
Hans Island
80°49′35″N66°27′30″W / 80.82639°N 66.45833°W / 80.82639; -66.45833
Result Negotiated settlement
Territorial
changes		 Hans Island divided between Nunavut (Canada) and Greenland (Denmark).
Belligerents
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Commanders and leaders

Flag of Denmark (state).svg Tom Høyem
Flag of Denmark (state).svg Per Starklint
Flag of Denmark (state).svg Anders Fogh

Flag of Denmark (state).svg Per Stig Møller

Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Pierre Pettigrew

Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Bill Graham
Units involved
Coat of arms of the Royal Danish Army.svg Royal Danish Army
Emblem of the Royal Danish Navy.svg Royal Danish Navy

Lesser badge of the Canadian Army.svg Canadian Army

RCN Emblem.svg Royal Canadian Navy
Strength
3 HDMS unknown
Casualties and losses
none none

The Whisky War, also known as the Liquor Wars, [1] was a bloodless war and border dispute between the Kingdom of Denmark and Canada over Hans Island. Between 1973 and 2022, the island was under dispute between the two nations, although never amounting to direct conflict or violence. [2]

Contents

Both countries agreed on a process in 2005 to resolve the issue, [3] which was finally settled in 2022, resulting in the creation of a land border on the island between the two states. [4]

Background

Hans Island as seen from the air in August 2012, with Ellesmere Island in the background HansIsland.png
Hans Island as seen from the air in August 2012, with Ellesmere Island in the background

Hans Island (known as Tartupaluk in Greenlandic) is in the middle of the Kennedy Channel between Greenland and Ellesmere Island. Hans Island is approximately 1.3 km2 in size and is barren. Hans Island is not inhabited, though it was previously used by indigenous Inuit populations in the area during the 19th century. [5] The Canadian claim to the island arose from the 1880 purchase of Hudson's Bay Company land to Canadian Government territory. The Danish argument was that Hans Island was vital to their indigenous populations for fishing, creating an integral part of the nearby Greenlandic area. [6]

Land dispute

Canada and Denmark signed an agreement through the United Nations on 17 December 1973. [7] The agreement set out to delimit the continental shelf between the two nations. This was influenced by the maritime boundary line, which fell almost directly down the middle of Hans Island. [5] The agreement states:

The Government of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of Canada... Have agreed as follows: Article I. The dividing line in the area between Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Islands, established for the purpose of each Party's exploration and exploitation of the natural resources of that part of the continental shelf which in accordance with international law appertains to Denmark and to Canada respectively, is a median line which has been determined and adjusted by mutual agreement. Article II. 1. In implementation of the principle set forth in article I, the dividing line in the area between latitude 61 00' N and latitude 75 00' N (Davis Strait and Baffin Bay) shall be a series of geodesic lines. [7]

Although the agreement was passed by both nations, there still was a longstanding dispute between the two nations. It was seen as low-priority from the Canadian side. A Canadian Special Senate Committee on the Arctic meeting was held on March 18, 2019, where the conflict was deemed "almost insignificant" by Michael Byers, a Professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, consulting as a civilian on the matter. [8]

Conflict

In 1984, Canadian soldiers visited the island and planted a Canadian flag, also leaving a bottle of Canadian whisky. [9] The Danish Minister of Greenland Affairs came to the island himself later the same year with the Danish flag, a bottle of Schnapps, and a letter stating "Welcome to the Danish Island" (Velkommen til den danske ø). [10] [11] [12] The two countries proceeded to take turns planting their flags on the island and exchanging alcoholic beverages. [13] In 2005 a Canadian man and an unknown source on the Danish side also posted advertisements on Google to "promote their claims". [13] [14] [15]

The minor border dispute was often considered humorous between the two nations, with diplomats displaying good humour. Despite the serious official nature of the matter, the manner in which the conflict was prosecuted was light-hearted, demonstrated by the length of time taken to settle the dispute, if nothing else. Both nations are on friendly terms, and are also founding members of NATO.

Peaceful resolution

Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail reported on June 10, 2022, that the Canadian and Danish governments had settled on a border across the island, dividing it between the Canadian territory of Nunavut and the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland. The resolution occurred during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and was thus meant to create a symbolic example to other nations, implying to Russia that land disputes can be resolved peacefully. [16]

The resolution had the side effect of giving Canada and Denmark a land border with each other, meaning that both countries no longer border only one other country (the United States and Germany, respectively).

The resolution was ratified by the Folketing on December 19, 2023, thereby ending the dispute from a Danish perspective. [17]

Timeline

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greenland</span> Autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark in North America

Greenland is a North American island autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is the larger of two autonomous territories within the Kingdom, the other being the Faroe Islands; the citizens of both territories are full citizens of Denmark. As Greenland is one of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union, citizens of Greenland are European Union citizens. The capital and largest city of Greenland is Nuuk. Greenland lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is the world's largest island, and is the location of the northernmost point of land in the world – Kaffeklubben Island off the northern coast is the world's northernmost undisputed point of land, and Cape Morris Jesup on the mainland was thought to be so until the 1960s.

The politics of Greenland, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, function in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic dependency, whereby the prime minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament Inatsisartut. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Greenland has full autonomy on most matters, except on policies and decisions affecting the region including negotiations with the devolved legislatures and the Folketing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Danish Navy</span> Sea-based branch of the Danish Defence

The Royal Danish Navy is the sea-based branch of the Danish Armed Forces force. The RDN is mainly responsible for maritime defence and maintaining the sovereignty of Danish territorial waters. Other tasks include surveillance, search and rescue, icebreaking, oil spill recovery and prevention as well as contributions to international tasks and forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hans Island</span> Island shared by Canada and Greenland, Denmark

Hans Island is an island in the centre of the Kennedy Channel of Nares Strait in the high Arctic region, split between the Canadian territory of Nunavut and the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland. The island itself is barren and uninhabited with an area of 130 hectares, measuring 1,290 by 1,199 metres, and a maximum elevation of 168.17 m (551.7 ft). Its location in the strait that separates Ellesmere Island of Canada from northern Greenland was for years a border dispute, the so-called Whisky War between the two countries of Canada and Denmark. Hans Island is the smallest of three islands in Kennedy Channel off the Washington Land coast; the others are Franklin Island and Crozier Island. The strait at this point is 35 km (22 mi) wide, placing the island within the territorial waters of both Canada and Denmark (Greenland). A 1,280-metre-long (4,200 ft) shared border traverses the island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nares Strait</span> Canadian/Danish strait

Nares Strait is a waterway between Ellesmere Island and Greenland that connects the northern part of Baffin Bay in the Atlantic Ocean with the Lincoln Sea in the Arctic Ocean. From south to north, the strait includes Smith Sound, Kane Basin, Kennedy Channel, Hall Basin and Robeson Channel. Nares Strait has a nearly permanent current from the north, powered by the Beaufort Gyre, making it harder to traverse for ships coming from the south.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Sea</span> Body of water in the Arctic Ocean

Lincoln Sea is a body of water in the Arctic Ocean, stretching from Cape Columbia, Canada, in the west to Cape Morris Jesup, Greenland, in the east. The northern limit is defined as the great circle line between those two headlands. It is covered with sea ice throughout the year, the thickest sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, which can be up to 15 m (49 ft) thick. Water depths range from 100 m (330 ft) to 300 m (980 ft). Water and ice from Lincoln Sea empty into Robeson Channel, the northernmost part of Nares Strait, most of the time.

Operation Hurricane is an annual month-long technical maintenance mission conducted by Canadian Forces personnel in the Canadian Arctic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arctic Council</span> Intergovernmental forum for the Arctic

The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arcticregion. At present, eight countries exercise sovereignty over the lands within the Arctic Circle, and these constitute the member states of the council: Canada; Denmark; Finland; Iceland; Norway; Russia; Sweden; and the United States. Other countries or national groups can be admitted as observer states, while organizations representing the concerns of indigenous peoples can be admitted as indigenous permanent participants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greenland and the European Union</span> Diplomatic relations between the European Union and Greenland

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark is one of the EU members’ overseas countries and territories (OCT) associated to the European Union. Greenland receives funding from the EU for sustainable development and has signed agreements increasing cooperation with the EU.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Territorial evolution of Canada</span>

The history of post-confederation Canada began on July 1, 1867, when the British North American colonies of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia were united to form a single Dominion within the British Empire. Upon Confederation, the United Province of Canada was immediately split into the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The colonies of Prince Edward Island and British Columbia joined shortly after, and Canada acquired the vast expanse of the continent controlled by the Hudson's Bay Company, which was eventually divided into new territories and provinces. Canada evolved into a fully sovereign state by 1982.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danish Realm</span> Kingdom of Denmark and its autonomous territories

The Danish Realm, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, or simply Denmark, is a sovereign state and refers to the area over which the monarch of Denmark is head of state. It consists of metropolitan Denmark—the kingdom's territory in continental Europe and sometimes called "Denmark proper" —and the realm's two autonomous regions: the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic and Greenland in North America. The relationship between the three parts of the Kingdom is also known as The unity of the Realm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Territorial claims in the Arctic</span>

The Arctic consists of land, internal waters, territorial seas, exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and international waters above the Arctic Circle. All land, internal waters, territorial seas and EEZs in the Arctic are under the jurisdiction of one of the eight Arctic coastal states: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. International law regulates this area as with other portions of Earth.

The inaugural Arctic Ocean Conference was held in Ilulissat (Greenland) on 27-29 May 2008. Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the United States discussed key issues relating to the Arctic Ocean. The meeting was significant because of its plans for environmental regulation, maritime security, mineral exploration, polar oil oversight, and transportation. Before the conclusion of the conference, the attendees announced the Ilulissat Declaration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Denmark relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada and Denmark have longstanding bilateral relations. Canada has an embassy in Copenhagen. Denmark has an embassy in Ottawa and a consulate-general in Toronto. Both countries are full members of NATO and the Arctic Council. Relations between the two countries have attracted attention in light of the dispute over Hans Island, which was resolved in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arctic cooperation and politics</span> Between the eight Arctic nations

Arctic cooperation and politics are partially coordinated via the Arctic Council, composed of the eight Arctic states: the United States, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Denmark with Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The dominant governmental power in Arctic policy resides within the executive offices, legislative bodies, and implementing agencies of the eight Arctic countries, and to a lesser extent other countries, such as United Kingdom, Germany, European Union and China. NGOs and academia play a large part in Arctic policy. Also important are intergovernmental bodies such as the United Nations and NATO.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arctic policy of the Kingdom of Denmark</span> Danish foreign policy

The Arctic Policy of the Kingdom of Denmark defines the Kingdom's foreign relations and policies with other Arctic countries, and the Kingdom's strategy for the Arctic on issues occurring within the geographic boundaries of "the Arctic" or related to the Arctic or its peoples. In order to clearly understand the Danish geopolitical importance of the Arctic, it is necessary to mention Denmark's territorial claims in areas beyond its exclusive EEZ in areas around the Faroe Islands and north of Greenland covering parts of the North Pole, which is also claimed by Russia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Borders of Denmark</span> Overview of the borders of the Kingdom of Denmark

The Kingdom of Denmark has existed with its current territory since 1920, although the last territorial dispute with Canada was only settled on 14 June 2022. The only land border of Denmark (proper) is that with Germany, with a length of 68 km (42 mi). Greenland, an autonomous country of the Danish Realm, also shares a border with Canada splitting Hans Island in half in which the border is 1.28 km long. The border along the territorial waters with Sweden runs along the Øresund for a length of about 115 km (71 mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Proposals for the United States to purchase Greenland</span> Efforts to buy the territory from 1867 to 2019

Since 1867, the United States has considered, or made, several proposals to purchase the island of Greenland from Denmark, as it did with the Danish West Indies in 1917. While Greenland remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, a 1951 treaty gives the United States much control over an island it once partially claimed from exploration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arctic Five</span> Coastal states of Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Five are the five littoral states bordering the Arctic Ocean: Canada, The Kingdom of Denmark, Norway, The Russia Federation and the United States of America.

Events in the year 2022 in Greenland.

References

  1. ↑ Blazeski, Goran (September 18, 2016). "The Hans Island 'liquor wars' between Canada and Denmark may be the cutest dispute in history". The Vintage News.
  2. ↑ Bender, Jeremy (January 10, 2016). "2 countries have been fighting over an uninhabited island by leaving each other bottles of alcohol for over 3 decades". Business Insider .
  3. ↑ Frizzell, Sara (May 28, 2018). "Truce? Canada, Greenland, Denmark inch closer to settling decades-old spat over Hans Island". CBC News .
  4. ↑ Beaumont, Peter (June 14, 2022). "Canada and Denmark end decades-long dispute over barren rock in Arctic". The Guardian .
  5. 1 2 Lackenbauer, Whitney; Nielsen, Rasmus Leander (August 28, 2022). ""Close, like-minded partners committed to democratic principles": Settling the Hans Island/Tartupaluk Territorial Dispute". Arctic Yearbook: 1–11.
  6. ↑ Hofverberg, Elin (June 22, 2022). "The Hans Island "Peace" Agreement between Canada, Denmark, and Greenland | In Custodia Legis". The Library of Congress. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  7. 1 2 Sharp, Mitchell; Hjorth-Nielson, H. (September 19, 1974). "Agreement relating to the delimitation of the continental shelf between Greenland and Canada (with annexes). Signed at Ottawa on 17 December 1973" (PDF). United Nations — Treaty Series. 950 (13550): 152–154.
  8. ↑ Canada, Senate of. "Special Senate Committee on the Arctic (42nd Parliament, 1st Session)". SenCanada. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  9. ↑ Healy, Amber (October 14, 2018). "Why Canada Keeps Leaving Bottles of Whiskey on a Remote Island". Insh. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
  10. 1 2 "Canada, Denmark agree to resolve dispute over Arctic island". CBC News . September 19, 2005. Archived from the original on January 27, 2007.
  11. ↑ Levin, Dan (November 7, 2016). "Canada and Denmark Fight Over Island With Whisky and Schnapps". The New York Times.
  12. ↑ Møller, Peter (June 14, 2022). "Verdens fredeligste grænsestrid blev indledt med en flaske cognac – nu er der sluttet fred". TV2 News.
  13. 1 2 "Canada and Denmark end decades-long dispute over barren rock in Arctic". The Guardian . June 14, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Island squabble goes Google". CNN . Reuters. July 28, 2005. Archived from the original on July 31, 2005.
  15. ↑ "Nye våben i striden om Hans Ø". Berlingske . July 29, 2005.
  16. 1 2 Chase, Steven (June 10, 2022). "Canada and Denmark reach settlement over disputed Arctic island, sources say". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  17. 1 2 "50 års uenighed slut: Danmark udvides med nyt stort havområde – Ekstra Bladet". December 19, 2023. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  18. ↑ Malcolm, Andrew H. (February 11, 1979). "Dome Petroleum Is Gambling on an Ice-Bound Bonanza". The New York Times. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  19. ↑ Tan, Andrew T.H., ed. (October 18, 2010). The Politics of Maritime Power: A Survey. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group. p. 186. ISBN   978-1-13683-343-4 . Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  20. ↑ "Taissumani: August 29, 1871 – Hall Names Hans Island". Nunatsiaq News . August 26, 2005. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
  21. ↑ George, Jane (April 9, 2004). "Greenland, Canada squabbling over pet rock". Nunatsiaq News. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Hans Island". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Hans Island". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  24. ↑ Lynge, Mads (July 25, 2005). "Josef Motzfeldt: Uforskammet af Canada". Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (in Danish). Archived from the original on September 21, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  25. ↑ Kristensen, Poul E. D. "Hans Island". Embassy of Denmark, Canada. Archived from the original on June 22, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
  26. ↑ http://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/article.jhtml?articleID=267507 [ permanent dead link ]
  27. ↑ "Canada vil forhandle om Hans Ø" [Canada will negotiate on Hans Island]. Jyllands-Posten (in Danish). August 8, 2005. Archived from the original on September 18, 2005.
  28. ↑ Avnskjold, Rasmus (August 16, 2005). "Ø-farcen er slut" [The island farce is over]. BT.dk (in Danish).
  29. ↑ "Canada has claim to Hans Island: Pettigrew". CTV.ca. August 20, 2005. Archived from the original on December 6, 2005. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
  30. ↑ "Geologist to prospect on disputed Hans Island in Arctic". CBC News . August 16, 2006. Archived from the original on January 27, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
  31. ↑ Weber, Bob (March 15, 2007). "Canadian, Danish scientists join Hans". The Globe and Mail . Archived from the original on March 19, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
  32. ↑ "Satellite imagery moves Hans Island boundary: report". CBC News . The Canadian Press. July 26, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
  33. ↑ "Arctic Weather Station : Hans Island". Scottish Association for Marine Science. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014.
  34. ↑ "April 11, 2012 audio report on Hans Island". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation . Retrieved April 24, 2012.
  35. ↑ Mackrael, Kim (November 29, 2012). "Canada, Denmark closer to settling border dispute". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved November 2, 2013.
  36. ↑ "Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark (with Greenland) announce the establishment of a Joint Task Force on Boundary Issues" (Press release). Ottawa: Government of Canada. Global Affairs Canada. May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  37. ↑ Weber, Bob (April 4, 2019). "Canadian miner files exploratory claim on disputed Arctic island of Hans". CTV News. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  38. ↑ "Indstilling til Naalakkersuisut om midlertidig lukning af Tartupaluk (Hans Ø) for ansøgning om mineraltilladelser" [Recommendation to the Naalakkersuisut on temporary closure of Tartupaluk (Hans Island) for application for mineral permits]. Naalakkersuisut (in Danish). September 12, 2019. Archived from the original on September 4, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
  39. ↑ Austen, Ian (June 14, 2022). "Canada and Denmark End Their Arctic Whisky War". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  40. ↑ "SIDSTE STJERNEITEM". Folketinget (in Danish). January 9, 2017. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Forslag til folketingsbeslutning om Danmarks indgåelse af overenskomst af 14. juni 2022 mellem Kongeriget nDanmarks regering sammen med Naalakkersuisut på den ene side og Canadas regering på den anden side om maritim afgrænsning og landeafgrænsning i området mellem Grønland og Canada" (PDF).
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.