10 Facts About Henrik Kauffmann

Henrik Kauffmann was the Danish ambassador to the United States during World War II, who signed over part of Greenland to the US.

Henrik Kauffmann's treaty was approved by the local officials on Greenland but declared void by the Danish government in Copenhagen.

Henrik Kauffmann ignored this protest, citing the fact that Denmark was occupied by a hostile power; consequently, he considered the government incapable of protecting Danish interests.

Henrik Kauffmann's line was supported by the Danish consuls general in the United States, as well as by the Danish ambassador to Iran.

Henrik Kauffmann replied by urging Danish diplomats around the world not to follow instructions from Copenhagen.

Henrik Kauffmann was nicknamed "the King of Greenland" for his independent political moves in the Greenland affair.

Henrik Kauffmann was married to Charlotte MacDougall, the daughter of United States Navy Rear Admiral William Dugald MacDougall.

Henrik Kauffmann joined the Cabinet of National Unity and served as Minister without Portfolio from 12 May to 7 November 1945.

Henrik Kauffmann's treaty was adapted in the early 1950s and remains the legal basis for the US Thule Air Base in Greenland.

In June 1963, Henrik Kauffmann, suffering from prostate cancer, was killed by his wife in a "mercy killing".