When evaluating the benefits accruing to member nations through participation in NATO a brief review of the situation existing in Western Europe early in 1951 and the progress which has been achieved since then w ill assist in securing a clear picture of these benefits and over all NATO accomplishments to date.

The first practical military step toward implementing NATO occurred early in 1951 when SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Al­lied Powers Europe) was physically established in Paris. At that time the situation in Western Europe was far from healthy. The Soviets had powerful forces located in Eastern Germany and Po­land, which were combat trained and capable of quickly over­ coming much of Western Europe almost unopposed. Coupled with the Soviet military strength were a series of failures by the Wes­ tern Powers to make any satisfactory progress in negotiations with the Soviets. That low morale and a spirit of defeatism should exist within the countries of Western Europe was a logical conse­ quence.

Aiding and abetting this feeling of defeatism was the exist­ing state of the NATO defense forces. The United States, Great Britain and France were all engaged in costly wars in Korea, Malaya and Indo-China, causing a serious drain on military sup­plies and manpower. The less than 15 ground divisions were on occupational missions and deployed accordingly. There were fewer than 1000 operational aircraft available and these were located in some instances on fields which were forward of the ground troops which should cover them. Naval forces were in a somewhat better position vis-a-vis the Soviet naval threat but they would have been severely taxed to contain the Soviet submarine threat.

At the close of 1953 the situation presented a much more encouraging m ilitary picture. While it was by no means all that the top NATO military leaders considered adequate, still the pro­gress had been such that there was cause for optimism.

Ground forces had been materially strengthened and rede­ployed consistent with the military situation. Airfields had been built and located in accordance with a well developed plan. Air strength had increased and was deployed for proper cooperation with the ground forces. Naval strength had been considerably increased.

Thus in a period of a little less than three years great im­provements had been made in the NATO military posture. From a position of totally inadequate defenses, Western Europe had risen to a military position where the available forces could give a good account of themselves.

As military development is based on a sound economy, a healthy political atmosphere and a good sociological climate, the assumption is made that progress along these lines has kept pace with the military progress.

Keeping in mind the advancement which has been made, it is now possible to answer the question:

„What benefits has Denmark received as a result of its af­filiation with NATO?“

NATO is a cooperative association which was form ed by the member governments with the basic mission of, „safeguarding the freedom, common heritage, and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.“ To date NATO has been successful in accomplishing its mission. As all members contribute tlieir bit, large or small according to their ability, to the cooperative treasury and ihe collective security, likewise they all share in the results. The most important single benefit received by Denmark and all other members, has been the result of the success of NATO in accom­plishing its above mentioned mission.

As was demonstrated in World War II Denmark due to its strategical location has little chance of staying out of any future conflict in Europe. It controls the natural exits from the Baltic to the Atlantic and is ideal from a geographical and topographical standpoint for the establishment of air bases. It possesses neither the manpower nor the economical resources necessary for the establishment of a defensive force capable of enforcing its neu­trality. By joining NATO Denmark became one of a powerful group of friends and through their collective efforts has the pos­sibility of building up or achieving an effective defense. Associa­tion in this brotherhood pledged to aid each other economically, culturally, and defensively has assured Denmark of the continua­tion of its historic democratic government and way of life. It has promoted goodwill, respect, friendship, and a better understand­ ing of individual problems, between Denmark and other member nations. These things may seem rather nebulous and immaterial to some, howewer, they are of vital importance.

There have been many more material and apparent benefits. Among these was the Marshall Plan which while it preceded NATO and was offered to all nations has benefitted NATO mem­ bers particularly. The Soviets wanted no economic recovery in Europe and denounced the plan as a war measure even though, it offered the same assistance to Russia and its satellites as to others. Through it Denmark was assisted in rehabilitating and expanding its industry after the years of occupation and in raising production to a level consistent with minimum civil needs. In 1949 the Mutual Defense Assistance Program was established. Through ihis program Denmark was, and is, being furnished with items of military equipment which enable it to modernize its defense establishment. Personnel have also been provided to assist in the training required for the effective use of this equipment. The off­ shore procurement program of MDAP has provided several lucra­tive contracts which have directly aided the economy of the country as well as providing an indigenous base for defense pro­ duction. Officers, and other ranks, of all services have attended Allied service schools and have brought back to Denmark a broader and more current view of military problems and their solution. Allied officers have been made available to the Danish forces to assist in military planning which has lightened the work of the personnel-short Danish officer corps. Association and cooperation between the members of the Armed Forces of the various nations has resulted in an interchange of information and ideas that have benefitted all. The infrastructure pipe line and communications net are items that will be of lasting value to the country as a whole from both a military and civilian stand­ point.

In the event of hostilities Denmark would be eligible for new weapons assistance from NATO resources should their use be con­ sidered advantageous. By association with NATO the Danish Armed Forces have been given a chance to gain new stature and im­ portance in the eyes of the Danish people; for with the awakening interest which the membership in NATO has aroused, more and more Danes are taking a new look at the composition and quality of their armed forces and are consequently becoming more familiar with the problems with which the Danish military is confronted. The recent lengthening of the conscription service is a good example.

As mentioned before NATO is a cooperative association and it as a whole has benefitted, as well as Denmark, from Danish participation. Danish membership enables NATO to present a solid front from the North Capes to Africa. Denmark and Norway cover the very important northern flank of the Central European NATO forces where the weight of our power is concentrated. Allied possession of this flank in the event of a Soviet advance into Western Germany would impose a limitation on the extent of such an advance in that it would present a threat that could not be ignored. Possession of this territory provides a base which can be reinforced by the Allies and from which a built up attack can be launched against the enemy. By securing the flank, Russia and the satellites are denied the use of tactically and strategically very important air bases already existent or which could be developed. Presumably these bases would be available for Allied use in the event of war. Denmark would serve as an ideal base of operations for the Russian submarine fleet which provides the chief naval threat to the Allies. Thus it is very important that they be denied the opportunity to establish such bases and that the gates to the Atlantic from the Baltic be closed to them.

By permitting the establishment of U. S. air bases in Greenland, Denmark has already made a concrete and material contri­bution indirectly to NATO. This should also prove advantageous to Denmark as it should speed up the development of this eco­ nomically potential area. Finally, regardless of the size of Den­mark’s actual military contribution to NATO, the fact that she did join the organization serves warning that she and other coun­ tries irrespective of size and economic capabilities have no inten­ tion to submit peacefully to aggression or domination, but to the contrary will resist with all the means at their disposal. This is of inestimable moral and psychological value.

NATO has grown into the finest collective security arrange­ ment the world has ever known. It has demonstrated to the world what can be achieved when free and sovereign nations join together and unite their efforts in a spirit of whole-hearted cooperation. Concrete and realistic results have been achieved which are evident to all who care to look. Admittedly much remains to be done. Through NATO we have the further capability to marshal such military, economic, and moral strength that if we proceed vigorously with this task the day should arrive when the Soviet leaders will be willing to seriously engage in dis­armament negotiations. NATO is dedicated to peace and its success should and will serve as a shining example to the world thaifc peace and stability can be achieved if it is truly desired.

John S. Upham.