[eia] question about repatriation

If Britain made peace with Russia right now, where the hell would my forces be repatriated ? The rule says that my corps are placed in the nearest area of a friendly proivince or minor country. Does friendly only mean controlled by Britain, or could it mean controlled by one of Britain's allies ? This makes a big difference, because the closest area on the map which is in my territory is the northernmost area at the tip of the frozen, rocky tundra of Norway !!! Why would my troops decide this was the place to go to party after peace is declared ?!