NORWEGIANS IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 140, 10 March 1941, Page 7

NORWEGIANS IN LONDON

Greeted By Their King DETERMINATION TO FIGHT NAZIS

Last Drop Of Blood Vowed

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

(Received March 9, 7 p.m.)

LONDON, March 8.

More than 300 Norwegian volunteers from the Lofoten Islands were welcomed this morning by King Haakon, wearing the uniform of an admiral, and his Prime Minister, M. Johan Nygaardavoid. A terrific roar of welcome greeted the King when he entered the crowded hall where the islanders, still dressed in brightly-coloured jerseys and heavy fishing boots, listened to their leaders’ fighting speeches. A speaker declared: “We vow our last drop of blood for the cause for which all democracies are fighting. Thousands of Norwegians are hoping to get the same opportunity that came to us.” King Haakon said he had a feeling that the refugees would be able to return to Norway and liberate their country. M. Nygaardavoid said: “Our country is held down by brute force. Bandit forces of a foreign Power have burnt, ravaged, murdered and plundered throughout the land. From Lindesnes to North Cape foreign soldiers keep watch over their spoil. Our oppressors, however, realize that as long as the old spirit of personal freedom remains alive in the hearts of the Norwegian people they are never safe. That is why the tyrants are seeking to crush this spirit of freedom in Norway, whose constitution and laws have been trampled by the jackboots of mercenary soldiers. This is a crazy sadistic urge to dominate others, to spill blood and burn irreplaceable treasures. But the Norwegian people mean to get back their freedom. Threat of Vengeance.

“Now you have come to England you will be able to see for ydurselves that the Nazis’ lying propaganda about conditions in England bears not the slightest relation to reality. You will be able to see a London very far from a ruined city, English people far from cowed. Alongside the Norwegian military forces now being prepared here we have our merchant fleet. The Norwegian navy and seamen are playing a great part in the common struggle of the Allies. When Norway is free again, when we go back to liberate our country, it will be a dark day for those people who sold their birthright and held out their hand to the enemy.’’ The King may receive the Norwegian patriots whose registration for some form of service will begin immediately. All are said to be as keen as mustard. Most of the younger ones want to join the R.A.F. and return to Norway to bomb the Germans. Many fishermen and sailors are likely to join Norwegian vessels serving in the British Merchant Navy. Womenfolk are as anxious as the men to serve the Allied cause.

Seven unmarried girls and one widow were among the Lofoten volunteers at King Haakon’s reception. Six are becoming nurses and two office assistants. One said she was in bed when she heard a shout “The English are here” and learned of her chance to go’ to England. She commented that only bad girls had anything to do with the German soldiers. There were occasional dances-at first, but these were banned because accidents were likely to happen to the Germans. Norwegian youths cropped the hair of every girl dancing with the Germans till jailed for it. It is understood that the 10 Lofoten “quislings” will be detained in prison so long as the Home Secretary deems it necessary.