Vald hinna veiku. Saga landhelgismálsins, 1971–1974. (Might of the Weak. The history of Iceland‘s fisheries limits struggle, 1971–1974.)
Sögufélag, the Icelandic historical society, has published this book, in Icelandic with an English summary.
This book recounts the extension of Iceland’s fisheries jurisdiction to 50 nautical miles and the protests that followed from other states. It describes dramatic events at sea, including Coast Guard operations against foreign trawlers and clashes with British naval vessels in situations where lives were at stake. It also examines the undercurrents of Icelandic politics, behind-the-scenes maneuvering, and various forms of political conflict.
Although Icelanders often remember the Cod Wars as a period when the nation stood united and celebrated a complete victory, the reality was more complex on closer inspection. It becomes even more so when the story is told with the sole aim of explaining what actually happened, rather than yielding to the temptation of using the past for political purposes.
Vald hinna veiku (The Might of the Weak) is 594 pages and richly illustrated. The narrative is vivid and gripping, featuring colorful protagonists locked in struggle. At sea, members of the Icelandic Coast Guard wield trawl-wire cutters with great determination; British trawler skippers curse them bitterly; and frigate captains try to protect their countrymen, yet are not permitted to use the full force available against “tiny little Iceland”. On land, conciliatory Icelanders find themselves overshadowed by those determined to fight for the nation’s rights, arguing that agreements are betrayals and compromises a form of cowardly retreat. In London and elsewhere, many are appalled that Icelandic leaders seem willing to disregard international law, display stubbornness in the extreme, and resort to all kinds of threats about leaving NATO and closing down the US base on the island.
