DANES PASS JUDGMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24542, 26 March 1943, Page 2

DANES PASS JUDGMENT

Denmark has been the show place of the Nazi "new order" in Europe. The Government of this so-called "model protectorate," although subjected to extreme pressure from Berlin, has been allowed a measure of autonomy. The harshness of the German tyranny in other occupied countries was mitigated or concealed in Denmark. After almost three years of this treatment, the Danes have been allowed a unique opportunity to pass judgment on it at the ballot box. The result of the general election has been an uncompromising rebuff for Berlin. Only three Nazis have been elected to the Lower House of 144 members. No doubt they were returned by the predominantly German electorates in South Jutland just north of the frontier. Nearly 2.000,000 Danes, or about 97 out of every 100, voted for the National Union bloc and, in effect, against Germany. That was a bold verdict for a people that dreads coming under the direct rule of a gauleiter and Gestapo ruffians. The Danes have reason for apprehension because in November last the German Minister to Denmark, a professional diplomat, was replaced by Dr. Best, a Gestapo official. Yet the Danes have not hesitated at the polls to uphold democracy and freedom against Nazism. It must soon appear whether Hitler will recognise the courageous affront and make an end of compromise. Yet even the fanatical Hitler, with his hands over-full in all the other occupied countries, may hesitate before taking a couise that would turn Denmark into a secontl Norway.