Telegram Crisis

The telegram crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Denmark and the German Empire in October and November 1942.

Denmark under German occupation until 1943 therefore presented a special case, since Denmark in international law is not "at war with the German Reich " was. Supreme German representative was the Reich plenipotentiary and ambassador Cécil of Renthe Finch. The Danish Civil Administration and the government remained untouched until 1943 basically. Nevertheless, the German occupation was felt later than 1942, as an increasing burden.

On September 26, 1942 Adolf Hitler sent a congratulatory telegram with the wording: " Your Majesty, I send my sincere congratulations for birthdays " to King Christian X on the occasion of his 72nd birthday. The king replied, as he had done in previous years, with a telegram, which without the signature included only five words: " Speak to my best thanks. King Christian X. " The answer came by chance Hitler before his eyes and was taken from him with indignation.

This probably does not intentionally made ​​known Done contempt Hitler had unforeseen consequences for Denmark. The German ambassador was withdrawn from Copenhagen and the Danish reported from the German Reich. Attempts by Crown Prince Frederik IX. , To appease Hitler failed. In early November the withdrawn German ambassador to Denmark was replaced by SS -Obergruppenführer Werner Best, who struck up a strong tone. In addition, all ready yet remaining Danish troops were General Hermann von Hanneken assumed and subtracted from Jutland, which also led to the scuttling of the Danish fleet in the further course. In addition, pressure was exerted to the effect that Prime Minister Vilhelm Buhl was forced to resign. Buhl was replaced by Erik Scavenius, who was believed to be more suitable from a German perspective.

Cause of the crisis was not only the said telegram, but also the increasing Danish resistance movement, which got increasingly felt the Germans in Denmark.