Evidence Of Quisling’s Pre-War Intrigues

Northern Advocate, 22 August 1945, Page 3

Evidence Of Quisling’s Pre-War Intrigues

(Rec. 2.0 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 21. Nazi Party files in Germany provided additional evidence against Quisling during today’s session of his trial for treason.

The prosecutor (Mr Schoedjt) accused Quisling of failing in his duty and loyalty as a Norwegian officer when mobilisation was ordered in 1940. He said Quisling was on the reserve with the rank of Major, after retiring from the army in 1938. Quisling rose and replied that he told the Commander-in-Chief in 1939 that he did not wish to serve as an officer under the then Government. Mr Schoedjt produced documents found in Germany as evidence of treasonable activities in 1940 by Quisling and his agent, Hagelin. One document concerned a meeting between Quisling and Hagelin and the German General . Staff in 1939. It mentioned Quisling’s preparations to take over key posts in Norway when the Germans invaded. Other Nazi documents produced outlined Quisling’s information to German naval officers. The prosecutor explained that the German Fleet, under cover of an exercise, planned action against the Norwegian coast, based on information from Quisling and his friends.

Mr Schoedjt then read a medical certificate that Quisling was sane.

Quisling, replying to the judge, denied that he negotiated with the German naval and military chiefs in the way suggested by the reports. He was convinced that the Germans would come to Norway if Britain and France attacked Norway. His efforts were directed towards making the German occupation as smooth as possible—in other words, to-have the Germans arrive before the British and French.