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Witness History: The Whisky War: Denmark v Canada

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01/03/2024 GMT

The Whisky War: Denmark v Canada

BBC World Service - Witness History, The Whisky War: Denmark v Canada

Beginning in 1984, a dispute over an island was marked by geniality, and bottles of booze

What could be the friendliest territorial dispute in history was sparked in 1984 when both Canada and Denmark claimed ownership of a tiny island.

In 1984, a diplomatic dispute broke out between Canada and Denmark over the ownership of a tiny island in the Arctic.

The fight for Hans Island off the coast of Greenland became known as the Whisky War. Both sides would leave a bottle of alcohol for the enemies after raising their national flag. 

What could be the friendliest territorial dispute in history came to an end in 2022, with the agreement held up as an example of how diplomacy should work.

Janice Fryett hears from Tom Hoyem and Alan Kessel, politicians on either side of the bloodless war.

A Made in Manchester Production for the BBC World Service. 

(Photo: Tom Hoyem with a Danish flag on Hans Island. Credit: Niels Henriksen)

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