ALLIES AND NORWAY

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1940, Page 7

ALLIES AND NORWAY

PROMPT LANDING OF TROOPS RIBBENTROP ANSWERED [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, April 16. Although reserve is displayed in discussing the matter in detail, pride and satisfaction are expressed in all ' newspapers at the remarkable achievement of landing troops within seven days of the German assault on Norway. ‘‘The Times’’ says: ‘‘Russia, indeed, has done Germany a bad turn here, for had it. not been for her attack on Finland—an attack which Germany condoned and facilitated, and which prompted the formation of an Expeditionary Force to help that country six weeks ago —exceptional foresight would have been required to secure the dispatch now of any force so quickly. In the second place, the speed and scale of the operations to assist Norway should prove a powerful reagent to the poison of fear of Germany which Hitler has endeavoured to instil into all his neighbours. Only last week, von Ribbentrop told foreign journalists in Berlin that

‘German forces will see to it that no Englishman or Frenchman shows a nose in Norway or Denmark for the rest of the war.’ How empty and foolish to-day, looks that blatant boast, pitched in the characteristic Nazi key!”

The “Manchester Guardian” says: “We have established ourselves in whatever ports we have chosen. We can pursue our harrying of the German lines at sea, confident that the German troops on land will be checked in their advance, as surely as they are denied

the way of retreat.” In estimating the significance of Germany’s naval losses, newspaper commentators lay emphasis on the fact that the ratio of loss is even more important than the numerical total. The “Guardian” does not hesitate to say that the German navy is no longer a fleet in being. The “Guardian” also expresses sur-

prise that majoi’ units of the Gerxnan navy, like the Gniesenau and Admiral Scheer, should have been despatched on a mission without a screen of destroyers. Students of naval warfare

declare that seldom in history has so glaring a case of useless wastage of material been seen.

Referring to Germany’s grave tactical mistake in not providing an adequate escort for the transports, the “Guardian” says: The German High Command has' taken the suicidal course of sending valuable transports ■without protection, across sixty miles of disputed water. TRIUMPH OF ORGANISATION

RUGBY, April 16

The building up of a formidable force, properly equipped, to undertake the Norwegian campaign is a gradual process, and brilliant results cannot at once be expected. This opinion was expressed in competent military circles, where it was also emphasised that the landing of British troops less than a week after the German invasion, must be regarded as a-Jwghty’-creditable performance.. Whereas the German stroke had been planned carefully for months, the British military authorities had but a few hours to organise a counterstroke, which necessitated a great variety of considerations, as far apart as the type of oil for motor engines, and clothing for personnel. Although landing in a welcoming friendly Country, it would be appreciated it was impossible for the Expeditionary Force to “live on the land,” a factor, the importance _ of which increased when it was realised the control points of the railways at present was in Nazi hands. Consequently, it had been necessary to despatch not only ordinary, accompaniments of a modern army, including anti-aircraft defences, and not ■only provisions, but means whereby local transport over tracks and roadless country can be utilised. The British Army is not unused to campaigns of this kind, and although many years ago, the triumph of organisation, which culminated in the battle of Magdala may be remembered.

FIORDS FOR LANDINGS.

RUGBY, April 16

The view that Allied forces can be landed in many Norwegian fiords, which cut deep into the country, was expressed by Sir Charles Wingfield, a former British Minister in Norway. The configuration of the country, he said, lent itself to such possibilities, and with the Navy giving access to them, he ' felt sure that Britain would hear shortly about landings and movements of troops.

He said he was certain that the Oslo troops only surrendered through being given treacherous orders not to resist, and, speaking of the Norwegians, he added: “One of the essential facts is that they are very friendly people. Our troops coming to their help. will meet with most-friendly reception, and will not lack capable guides in their operations. They are a hardy race.’’ EMBARKATION AT NIGHT (Recd. April 17, 10 a.m.). LONDON, April 16. Behind yesterday’s brief British communique regarding the landings lies a story lot’ organisation and cooperation by the three fighting services. The nucleus of the Expeditionary Force was already available, having been prepared for Finland. Transports were ready at east coast ports, and thousands of troops were waiting along the coast. Units which for weeks had been in camps, barracks, and billets moved down to-the ports of embarkation 1 at night-time. The transports, were loaded with additional heavy equipment, including guns, tanks, and ammunition, and finally an •escort of destroyers and aeroplanes assembled. Only- a -handful of high staff officers knew the exact destination, though every soldier and- bluejacket knew they were bound for - somewhere in Norway.' It is too soon to estimate the influence of the Allied landing of forces- on the German movements, says a military expert, but at whatever points have been chosen they will have the immediate effect of distracting German attention, and for that reason alonQ, will relieve the pressure in the Oslo area. It is already, known that the, Norwegian mobilisation, in the north of Norway has been completed, therefore it is possible shortly for the

Norwegian Sixth Division, based on Harsitad, northox Narvik, to take (over a considerable part of the country’s defences. ' The Allies will soon have a formidable mobile fighting force, whose movements are likely to absorb the entire attention of the invaders.

LONDON ENLISTMENTS.

(Recd. April 17, 1 p.m.). ' LONDON, April 16.

So many applications are being received in London flor enlistment in the Norwegian forces that a special depot is being opened. FRENCH PARTICIPATION PARIS’, April 16. The French Press suggests that French forces have participated in the landings in Norway. There has been no official statement ; on the subject, but a Paris correspondent says: “It is thought that, when the full story is revealed, it will be seen that the French share will prove as glorious as that of the Allies. “Le Parisien’s” headline is as follows: “New Allied Forces Disembark at Several Points.” RETREAT FROM NARVIK (Recd. April 17, 12.50 p.m.) LONDON, April 16.

German troops retreating from Narvik are reported to have occupied ’fejoerfell, a station on the ‘‘iron ore” railway. The Norwegian High Command, broadcasting from Bodo, stated that British' marines are holding Narvik. Norwegians are surrounding most of the retreating Germans. They also captured Germans dropped by parachute in several districts. Two German planes were shot down.

GERMAN EXPLANATION

BERLIN, April 16.

Officials persist that Germany is holding Narvik. They also claim that German troops reached the Swedish frontier from Narvik after defeating Norwegians. They admit that the British possibly landed at Harstad.

The Wilhelmstrasse suggests the German naval losses at Narvik are not revealed for strategic reasons. The Spokesman naively added: “Theoretically, we don’t need ships any more, but we will soon show the world we have still got a navy.”

MR. CHAMBERLAIN CONFIDENT

GERMAN WAR ON RELIGION

RUGBY, April .16.

In a brief speech to the Free Church Council .in London, Mr. Chamberlain said: “Every day that passes gives us seme new demonstration of Germany’s utter disregard of religion, mercy, truth, and justice. If they were to triumph in what they are doing, why then every fortress that has been built up by civilisation upon the principles of Christianity would -go down, and the world would relapse into that barbarism which only a little time ago we thought had been buried in centuries of progress. It won’t go down. Only a short while ago. I declared that I felt ten times as confident as I did at the beginning of the war, of our ultimate victory. I repeat that confidence to-day. Mr. Chamberlain continued: “Germany has made many miscalculations, but„ndne greater than this. This war will be Avon by'the spiritual forces of the world, as much as by the ial power of our brave defenders, and these spiritual forces have been affronted by what. Germany has done and is doing.” Mr. Chamberlain added that after the latest outrage of those monsters of wickedness, the Germans, who seem to shut the gates of mercy against mankind, all his thoughts were occupied with how to counter that stroke.

GREAT GERMAN SET-BACK

(Recd. April 17, 12.40 p.m.) PARIS, April 16.

M. in the Senate, said Germany lost almost one-third of her navy in last week’s fighting in Scandinavia, including 20 per cent of her cruisers and 25 per cent, of her destroyers. In addition, 15 per cent, of her destroyers suffered damage. Seventy-eight thousand tons of German merchant shipping had been sunk. The Allies had cut Germany’s iron ore route, after eight days’ fighting. The German 'fleet had suffered massive and irreparable mutilation. Allied troops had disembarked in Norway, making contact with the Norwegians. More troops were on their way. Three hundred Senators cheered to the echo when M. Reynaud referred to the British Navy’s successes. M. Reynaud said: It was a magnificient exploit. The Germans showed that they recognised the importance of Narvik by sending seven of their mostmodern destroyers there as watchdogs. Everyone knows wltot happened to them. Germany will be obliged to fight on a new front, as a result of the Allies occupying Narvik and mining, the Baltic, because the German steel industry functions on Swedish ore. Germany has suffered an immense moral set-back.