BRIEF BUT BLOODY DANISH RESISTANCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 207, 1 September 1943, Page 3

BRIEF BUT BLOODY DANISH RESISTANCE

DEATH ROLL MOUNTS

Nazi Attempts To Force Martial Law N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. noon. LONDON, Aug. 31. The Germans, doing their utmost to seal off Denmark from the rest of the world, are increasing the air and sea blockade between Sweden and Denmark and have suspended the airlines between Denmark and Switzerland. The correspondent of the Daily Express in Stockholm reports that the Germans moved a panzer division from Norway to subdue the people of Denmark. Danish refugees are still trickling through the German cordon in small boats, but it is difficult to get news from them because they are placed under strict guard on arrival at Stockholm. Some of those interned are most unwilling to talk for fear of German reprisals on families, which is enhanced by the suspicion that German spies are numerous in Sweden. Nevertheless, it was learned that clashes between the Danes and Germans continue, especially in Copenhagen, where the death roll is stated to be mounting as the Germans try to enforce martial law to check the wave of sabotage and unrest.

The picture, pieced from fragments from refugees, is one of brief but bloody resistance in several centres which* was quickly crushed, after which general strikes broke out in at least nine cities.

The fate of King Christian and the Royal Family and members of the Government is the subject of conflicting reports. Berlin radio confirms that the Danish Cabinet resigned on Sunday. The German News Agency announced that the Danish Army and Navy had been disarmed.

The Swedish Government announced that Danish military officials and civilians will be treated as political refugees and interned for a short period until housing and employment nave been arranged. Sweden takes the view that the Danes are not from a belligerent country