AID FOR NORWAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 284, 30 November 1944, Page 5

AID FOR NORWAY

DESIRE OF SWEDEN Public Opinion Roused By New Nazi Brutality N.Z. Press Association—Copvrig'nt Rec. 11 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 29. Germany has rejected the Swedish proposal that inhabitants of Northern Norway should be evacuated to Sweden and Sweden has refused a request from the Norwegian Quisling Government for the evacuation of Norwegians by way of Sweden to | Southern Norway and insisted that I refugees should remain in Sweden. I The Associated Press corresponi dent in Stockholm reports that the i Foreign Minister, Mr. Christian Gun- ! ther, informed Parliament of these ! decisions to-day. The correspondent I added that Swedish public opinion is aroused by the Nazi policy of terror I and scorched earth in Northern Nori way. Some sections of the Press I demanded a virtual break with Geri many unless she is prepared to acquiesce with the Swedish effort to help the Norwegians. After Mr. Guntner's statement a delegation from all of the Swedish parties asked the Government to do , everything to help the Norwegians, i even if it means taking the greatest risk.

Along the sole highway leading from Kirk'enes, Northern Norway, to Mosjon, 900 miles to the south, civilians are fleeing on foot before the German troops retreating from the Russians, according to the Norwegian Telegraph Agency, quoting a man who left Tromso a fortnight ago. S.S. men are following the refugees and are burning the countryside and shooting Norwegians who refuse to leave.

Tromso, which is the most important city in Northern Norway, is due for destruction. The Germans are reported to aim to devastate before Christmas all Norway north of Mosjon, where they intend to make a stand. The railway reaches Mosjon, therefore the Germans can rely on supplies from the south.