The Times also reports on the possibility of a Compact of Free Association. These treaties stipulate that the U.S. will provide financial assistance to these countries, and they, in turn, transfer defense issues to Washington, while maintaining internal self-governance. The U.S. already has such treaties with small Pacific states (Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau).
According to the source, the fourth option is to keep Greenland as part of Denmark. But – with an increased American military presence on the island. This implies commercial agreements with American mining companies. It also implies the appointment of American officials to positions in the local government.
Note that Greenland is a former Danish colony, but remains part of the kingdom, which continues to control its foreign policy. The island has over 2 million square kilometers (two-thirds of the territory is covered with ice), with a population of about 50,000 inhabitants. The official currency is the Danish krone. Approximately 70% of the island’s energy is derived from renewable resources (one of the highest rates in the world) – mainly hydropower.
