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Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20241, 8 May 1940, Page 11

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INVASION OF NORWAY FORCES OF GERMANY MINISTER’S EXPLANATION “DID NOT EXPECT IT” (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 2.45 p.m. RUGBY, May 6. In a press interview in London today the Norwegian Foreign Minister, M. Koht, questioned the authenticity of the highly-sensational accounts of the German invasion purporting to prove that Norway was delivered into the hands of the invader by treachery of Norwegians. “The Germans took by means of surprise,” he said. “You may blame us that we did not expect it. but I would prefer to tell you the truth and that is simply that we did not expect it. “I have seen reports about traitors helping the Germans in tips aggression. There are sympathisers with Germany. “There is a Nazi organisation in Norway which has been very active, but numerically they are not strong. They were not able to put a single man into our Parliament at the last election.” M. Koht also denied allegations that Norwegian troops had been sacrificed by being left to cover the withdrawal of the British and French forces round Trondheim. He said: “The Norwegian troops had retreated earlier in order to rest. They were worn out and I can see no reason why they should have taken part in such an action.”