The Greenlanders were also aware of the heavy
Norwegian presence in Canada. In the event that Canada attempted to occupy the colony, they were worried that
Free Norwegian Forces would be stationed in the area.
[3] This was a cause for concern, as the Norwegians had been vying for control over part of the territory until the
Permanent Court of International Justice settled the dispute in 1933.
[4] Instead, they requested the protection of the United States, whose
Treasury Department agreed to dispatch the U.S. Coast Guard vessels,
USCGC Comanche and
USCGC Campbell with supplies and a consular team to establish a provisional
consulate at
Godthaab. Accepting the protection of the Americans, a third party, was seen as less of a threat to Greenland's sovereignty.
[3] Comanche arrived at
Ivigtut on 20 May, and Godthaab on 22 May, thereby establishing direct diplomatic relations with Greenland.
[1] Canada sent a consul and vice-consul to Godthaab two weeks later.