After receiving independence from Denmark in 1918 with the signing of the 25-year Danish-Icelandic Act of Union, Iceland followed a policy of strict neutrality. In 1939, with war imminent in Europe, the German Reich pressed for landing rights for Lufthansa's aircraft for alleged trans-Atlantic flights.
The Icelandic government turned them down. A British request to establish bases in Iceland for the protection of the vital North Atlantic supply lines after German forces occupied Denmark and Norway in April 1940 also was turned down in accordance with the neutrality policy.
Therefore, it was a rude surprise for the people of Reykjavík to awaken to the sight of a British invasion force on May 10, 1940. The country's strategic importance to the British was understood; what was annoying to Icelanders was the lack of consultation.
Iceland protested the use of military force by Britain but immediately accepted the fait accompli. Nothing could be accomplished by resisting. Newspaper accounts from that period suggest that there was a certain feeling of relief. Because of the historic links between Iceland and Britain, it was felt that if someone had to invade the country it was better to see the Allies come, and not the Axis.
http://www.nctskef.navy.mil/IDF/History/worldwar.htm
BUT WI....
Pro Axis Elements invited the Germans to occupy Iceland ?
Or ....
Hitler decided to beat the US-UK to the punch and occupy Iceland ? Would the British forestall several planned campaigns to retake the Island to protect it Shipping Lanes or Bypass it ?
How would FDR react ? Would he seek to provoke an incident to bring the US into the War to stop this threat ?
How would a Nazi occupied Iceland affect Sea & Air Traffic in the UK ?
The Icelandic government turned them down. A British request to establish bases in Iceland for the protection of the vital North Atlantic supply lines after German forces occupied Denmark and Norway in April 1940 also was turned down in accordance with the neutrality policy.
Therefore, it was a rude surprise for the people of Reykjavík to awaken to the sight of a British invasion force on May 10, 1940. The country's strategic importance to the British was understood; what was annoying to Icelanders was the lack of consultation.
Iceland protested the use of military force by Britain but immediately accepted the fait accompli. Nothing could be accomplished by resisting. Newspaper accounts from that period suggest that there was a certain feeling of relief. Because of the historic links between Iceland and Britain, it was felt that if someone had to invade the country it was better to see the Allies come, and not the Axis.
http://www.nctskef.navy.mil/IDF/History/worldwar.htm
BUT WI....
Pro Axis Elements invited the Germans to occupy Iceland ?
Or ....
Hitler decided to beat the US-UK to the punch and occupy Iceland ? Would the British forestall several planned campaigns to retake the Island to protect it Shipping Lanes or Bypass it ?
How would FDR react ? Would he seek to provoke an incident to bring the US into the War to stop this threat ?
How would a Nazi occupied Iceland affect Sea & Air Traffic in the UK ?