NORWEGIAN PUBLIC OPINION STIRRED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 84, 9 April 1940, Page 7

NORWEGIAN PUBLIC OPINION STIRRED.

ALLIES' ACTION.

Make Victory In The War

More Easy.

NAZIS WILL STRIKE BACK.

United Press Association.—Copyright,

(Received 2 p.m.) LOXOOX. April 8. Professor Koht, speaking on the Allied Notes, said Sweden and Norway agreed to answer the British and French Notes of Friday in similar terms, but before the answer was formulated Britain and France presented a new Note at C a.m. to-day, declaring that they intended to mine certain sections of the Norwegian coast.

"liie Western Powers want to lead the war into Norwegian territory because they believe it would enable them to win more easily,*' lie declared. "There is no clear connection between the complaints against German methods of sea warfare and the stoppage of shipping. 1 hese violations were onlv carried out because the Powers possess stronger forces."

Ihe Norwegian PrcOß comment reflects the extent to which public opinion has been stirred. It says that protests aie useless. Norway must act according to the situation. The Allied ininelayiiig *is one of the most dangerous strokes against Norwegian interests since tlie outbreak of war, it is claimed. A \\ ilhelmstrasse spokesman said the action would start a decisive development. German counter-measures could not be published, but would be of the sharpest nature. He pointed out that the minefields on the British coasts do not interfere with normal traffic, but the Norwegian coasts' minefields force vessels to go 10 to 1.3 miles from the shore. The British Press supports the action taken bv the Allies.