Denmark

Denmark in 1970

Through the 50s and 60s Denmark saw massive economic growth, which was largely invested in industry, infrastructure and an increasing public welfare system, transforming Denmark from a farming country to a modern industrialised nation, willing to play its part on the international political scene.

As a minor nation in the NATO alliance, Denmark is determined to be both an important member of the alliance, and to prove its own agenda. Denmark leads an activist approach to foreign and defence politics, seeking ways in which its contribution to international crises can set it apart from the major powers – usually aiming for the middle ground and promoting peace and humanitarian viewpoints, but at the same time firmly assuring its allied partners about its trustworthiness and reliability.

In periods with social democratic leadership through the 60s, Denmark would not shy away from speaking against its allied major powers, for instance when speaking against US war crimes in Vietnam, inviting Nikita Khrushchev on a state visit to Copenhagen in 1964, or when arguing for a 1% GNP target for development aid in the UN. 

In 1970 Denmark has a liberal-conservative government, but a very uncharacteristic one of its kind. Public welfare budgets increase even more, and inspired by the student protests and growing youth movements, Denmark is the first nation to liberate pornography in 1969. Soon after would follow the forming of the free city Christiania, and a legalisation of abortion.

In the public view Denmark sees itself as the little brother with a big heart that can be allowed to do and say things that others can’t, and also sometimes cause mischief.

The Danish Embassy in Norway

Nordic cooperation is a prime interest in Danish foreign politics, and as such the Danish embassy to Norway is considered of high diplomatic regard. It may not be a priority station like London or Washington, but it is still a location where Denmark will send some of their most experienced ambassadors and talented diplomats.

The main tasks of the embassy are to promote Nordic brotherhood and cultural understanding between the countries, trade and travel cooperation, and maritime coordination about the North Sea and North Atlantic. Norway is Denmark’s closest neighbor, relations between the countries are stable and friendly, and the Danish diplomats feel at home here.

Even so the embassy is a key example of a need for modernisation of the old fashioned aristocratic Danish diplomacy to a professional and political one. This change has been long overdue, and Denmark is lagging behind other nations because of it. In this vacuum between old and new diplomatic protocols, eager attachés will try to advance their political careers and entrepreneurial security agents will operate outside proper jurisdiction.

The ambassador here is an old distinguished gentleman with a long diplomatic career behind him, decorated, and with ties to the Danish court, but he is a stout believer in the old diplomatic code. Most of his staff, however, are more pragmatic or opportunistic and will independently seek opportunities for the benefit of their country, their personal career or possibly other ideals.

Characters

• Ambassador Count E. A. Knuth (Late 50s, M). A proud old conservative. Follows the old diplomatic protocols. Is more invested in representing the formal Danish establishment than what happens beneath him.
• Councillor for Economic Affairs B. Scavenius (Early 40s, N). A driven and ambitious social democrat. Not shy to make diplomatic agreements that are above their station, especially if it is favorable to their political ambitions or career.
• Military attaché Lt. H. Jacobsen (Early 40s, N). Officer from the Danish coastal defense. Previous experience from marine listening stations and wiretapping operations by private contractors. Reports to the Danish Defense Intelligence Service.
• Cultural attaché E. Favrskov (Early 30s, F). A talented novelist given the opportunity of a steady income with the embassy. Living an easygoing and frivolous life. Contact with other writers, even on the Eastern Bloc.
• First secretary C. E. Brock-Nielsen (Late 30s, N). Has worked themself to unofficially become the ambassador’s personal assistant. A person with a brilliant career ahead, especially if they can utilize the ambassador’s connections.
• Second secretary M. Winther (Mid 20s, N). Seemingly young and naive but from a good family, which landed them this job. Secretly they harbor socialist views inspired by the students’ rebellions. Potential target for recruitment.
• Ambassador’s chauffeur H.C. Koppel (Mid 50s, M). Has served the ambassador for many years, and is considered an old friend. Will occasionally be sent on errands outside the formal hierarchy. Could be a person of a different nationality.
• Ambassador’s wife Lady L. E. Knuth (Early 50s, F). Born of Finnish aristocracy. Were engaged in anti-Nazi opposition during the war. Gave up her ambitions to be the spouse of the ambassador. Secretly supplying information to the KGB.