859B.01/179: Telegram

The Consul at Godthaab (Penfield) to the Secretary of State

3. Department’s No. 1, May 18, paragraph 1. Only practicable way to put mine semi-permanently out of commission would be flooding sea side of pit by blasting, bombing, or shelling. This might be accomplished by (1) a submarine or raider approaching the settlement and shelling mine or landing a force, or (2) landing a force in one of nearby fjords and endeavoring to surprise the settlement by land automotive vehicles. Organization of the 100 Danish miners now here (an additional 25 may arrive later in the season) into a defense company armed with machine guns cooperating with a system of native lookouts stationed at approaches to Arsuk Fjord and supplemented by one 3-inch gun mounted at Upernjuik, point southwest of [Page 364] the mine, would probably provide reasonable defense against a raid by any but a large armed raider. Elaborate range finding and fire control apparatus would probably be unnecessary. It is our opinion that although there appears to be no great danger of a raid on Ivigtut, the carrying out of the above described defense measures might be advisable. However, if the authorities in Godthaab exhibit no more anxiety than the local authorities, who display little concern over the possibility of a raid, and take no initiative along the lines suggested in the Department’s telegram under reference, the project might well be held in abeyance for the time being. Commanding officer of Comanche has assisted in the preparation of and concurs in the above [plan?].

2.
Controller Fischer, highest local official, himself brought up the subject of defense and stated in reply to discreet questioning that he has no fear of any “fifth column” activity here; that “a majority” of the workers here have had military training; and that the only arms are a few rifles. Although he seems to regard a raid on Ivigtut as improbable he is somewhat concerned over the almost total lack of defense.
3.
The two Danish ships now in Greenland usually make several trips each season between Greenland and Denmark but it is planned to use them this year for carrying coal from Disko Island and in other local trade. The total personnel of these ships is believed to be about 40 of whom “a good number” have had naval training. It is possible, of course, that some of these men could be used as gun crews and their places filled by Greenlanders.
4.
I will treat this matter discreetly along the above lines in conversation with the authorities at Godthaab but will not discuss the specific points covered in the Department’s telegraphic instruction under reference until further instructed.
5.
Expect to leave Ivigtut May 21 and arrive Godthaab May 22.
Penfield