A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 187, 4 May 1940, Page 12

A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

With the withdrawal of the Allied forces from the part of Norway south of Trondheim the first round of the conflict there has ended in a German success. , Yet there are many more rounds to be fought, and a comparison of gains and losses on both sides since the Norwegian venture was launched by the Germans shows that, when the longer view is taken, there is weight of evidence to support Mr. Chamberlain when he claims that the balance of advantage remains with the Allies despite a setback. On available information the position might be tabulated thus:

ALLIES

CREDITS. Greatly increased naval preponderance enabling important changes in dispositions. Control of iron ore port of Narvik. Great accession of shipping strength from Norwegian and Danish mercantile fleets. Forces remain in other parts of Norway. Evacuation ctliciently carried out. German aerodromes damaged.

DEBITS. Considerable loss of prestige among neutrals. Loss of four destroyers, three submarines and a few smaller craft. Losses of troops and aircraft—not as heavy as enemy’s.

GERMANY

CREDITS. A success, and opportunity for propaganda. Advanced bases on Norwegian coast for aeroplanes and possibly submarines. Consolidation of hold on southern Norway and its resources. Ability to exercise greater pressure on Sweden.

Relatively small gains from Danish and Norwegian merchant fleets.

DEBITS. Navy crippled with loss of, say, one-third in strength. Up to -10 transports anil supply ships sunk with extensive loss of men and material. Involvement of more men and materials than was apparently expected. Heavy consumption of aeroplane petrol supplies. An additional unfriendly country to control. Norway is not self-supporting in food. Winter iron ore route from Narvik closed. Neutrals awakened to dangers of Nazi intrigue within their territories. Loss of Norway and Denmark as neutral ‘’gates” through blockade. Need for maintaining sea communications with greatly inferior naval strength.