QUISLING’S DEFENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 September 1945, Page 5

QUISLING’S DEFENCE

MILD SENTENCE CLAIMED. (Rec. 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, September 6. A demand for the full acquittal or the mildest possible treatment for Quisling was made by the defence counsel, Bergh, in his summing up at the treason trial. Bergh maintained that the death penalty could only be demanded on the basis o:. the provisional law permitting capital punishment which the London Government introduced in October, 1941, and added that it could not have any retrospective effect. Quisling could not be condemned for actions allegedly committed before that date. Most of the serious charges against Quisling were based on alleged activities before the law was passed. “I don’t think Quisling is insane. He was always a remarkable man, filled with a sense of duty to his country, but had faith in a certain dogma, which to us seemed strange.” His voice shaking with emotion, Quisling took the stand and spoke in his own defence. “It is a scandal that I, who always served my people, should sit here and be regarded as a traitor,” said Quisling. “I worked for my people to smooth the occupation period, but now 1 am treated like a traitor. I could have fled but had nothing lo hide. I am Quisling the Patriot.”

Recounting'his experiences during the revolution, Quisling declared that it was then that he realised the need for the establishment of a WestEuropean union. He said that he had ample opportunity for escaping from Norway. Reich Commissioner Treboven had placed a plane and a U-boat at his disposal and told him that if he wanted to leave the country he would meet good friends who would look after him..