The legal argument treats Denmark's interest in the Continental System as a survival calculation between British pressure and the expanding French Empire. France posed the greater danger of territorial conquest, which gave Danish leaders a rational reason to accommodate it. The fleet gave Denmark valuable leverage in negotiations with France, and its possible alignment with France was exactly what alarmed Britain. French-Danish discussions and Denmark's leaning toward the system are offered as the basis for calling the British strike lawful.
Chapter · 13:46-15:01
The legal case for striking Denmark
French-Danish discussions over the Continental System form the legal case presented for British action against the fleet.