DISTURBANCES IN DENMARK

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24368, 21 September 1944, Page 3

DISTURBANCES IN DENMARK

CLASH WITH GERMAN MARINES GENERAL STRIKE CALLED IN COPENHAGEN (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 19. “A full-scale revolt has broken out in Copenhagen, and fighting occurred in other Danish cities this afternoon," says Reuter’s correspondent in Stockholm. “Fighting occurred between German marines and the Royal Guard outside the Royal Palace at Amalienborg, where King Christian has recently taken up residence,” declared the German-controlled Danish radio. "The guards attacked the marines, who were peacefully marching past. Losses occurred on both sides.” “Further details of. the Amalienborg incident show that the marines tried to disarm 160 policemen guarding the castle. The population assisted the police,” adds Reuter’s correspondent. “A general strike has been called in Copenhagen from to-morrow, though the strike actually began at 1 p.m. to-day.” A special announcement from the Danish radio stated that the Germans had dissolved the Danish police force and taken over the task of maintaining order. Anyone found in possession of firearms would be shot. The use of motor-cars in country districts without a special permit was prohibited. The Stockholm correspondent of the Associated Press says that the Germans occupied all ’ Government buildings, including Parliament and all police stations in Denmark, in a lightning move shortly before noon. Ferry and air connexions with Sweden are broken. A report by telephone says that there are many dead bodies in the streets of Copenhagen. A German official statement said that German action to relieve the Danish police of their duties was the result of collaboration between the police and illegal organisations since August last year.