A century ago, the United States quietly acquired a Caribbean paradise from Denmark: the Virgin Islands. The 1917 purchase, for $25 million, seemed a straightforward land deal, yet it contained a hidden clause with implications echoing to the present day.
The treaty wasn’t simply about gaining tropical territory. It included a crucial concession – the US formally recognized Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland. This seemingly minor detail is now resurfacing as discussions about a potential US purchase of Greenland intensify, fueled by strategic concerns and resource competition.
The US Virgin Islands comprise roughly 50 islands, with St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas being the most prominent. But nestled among them is a smaller island, Little St. James, a name now synonymous with scandal and abuse. It was here that Jeffrey Epstein built his infamous private retreat.
Epstein purchased Little St. James in 1998 for the equivalent of $12.3 million. He later added Great St. James to his holdings in 2016 for $22 million. During a business meeting in 2012, Epstein chillingly described the islands as “perfect” due to their isolation, a characteristic that tragically facilitated horrific crimes.
The attorney-general of the US Virgin Islands later condemned Little St. James as a “perfect hideaway and haven” for trafficking and abusing young women. The island’s remote location provided a shield for unspeakable acts, a dark legacy now inextricably linked to the 1917 treaty.
Recent commentary highlights the irony of the situation. One observer noted the 1917 deal was a strategic misstep, allowing Denmark to leverage US interest in the Virgin Islands to secure its claim over Greenland. Now, the US faces the potential of losing access to Greenland’s strategic importance and vast resources.
The desire to acquire Greenland isn’t new. The US first attempted to purchase the massive island in 1846 and again in 1946, offering the equivalent of £970 million during the height of the Cold War. These attempts were unsuccessful, but the strategic value of Greenland remained clear.
During the Cold War, the US established Thule Air Base, now Pituffik Space Base, in a remote corner of Greenland. This base, currently staffed by 150 personnel, serves as a crucial early warning system for ballistic missile attacks, demonstrating Greenland’s vital role in national security.
Beyond its strategic location, Greenland is a treasure trove of rare earth minerals. It contains 31 of the 34 materials that Europe deems “critical,” including cobalt, nickel, copper, titanium-vanadium, gold, platinum, and diamonds. These resources are essential for modern technologies like batteries and electric vehicles.
The island may also hold significant reserves of oil and gas, further increasing its economic and strategic appeal. As China and Russia increase their presence in the Arctic, the urgency to secure Greenland’s resources and control its strategic position is growing.
Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in buying Greenland, echoing past presidents’ ambitions. The question now is whether the US will act decisively to secure this vital territory, or risk losing it to geopolitical rivals and the legacy of a past treaty.
