Eighty-four years ago today, on April 10, 1941 (March 14, 1941 lunar calendar), the United States occupied Greenland. On April 10, 1941, the United States, concerned about the recent presence of German reconnaissance aircraft in the North Atlantic, decided to take control of Greenland to protect it and ensure that it remained a Danish colony. President Roosevelt announced an agreement with his Danish counterpart, Henrik de Kaufmann, establishing the right of the United States military to establish air bases and other military installations in this strategic area. Greenland is the most important meteorological observation point in the British Isles, which are under threat from Germany. State Department officials say Nazi military operations in Greenland's airspace have accelerated the United States' determination to place the island in the hemispheric defense system outlined in the Havana Treaty. The agreement was signed on April 9. "It was the first anniversary of the German invasion of Denmark," President Roosevelt said, adding that he hoped Denmark would be liberated as soon as possible. Britain has expressed consolation with the pact because it strengthens close cooperation between the United States and Britain. Greenland, which is midway between Iceland and Canada, is likely to serve as a base for sending war supplies to Britain.