NORWAY PROTEST

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21083, 9 April 1940, Page 5

NORWAY PROTEST

REMOVAL DEMANDED NEUTRALITY VIOLATED PREDICTION IN GERMANY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received April 9, 11.5 a.m.) OSLO, April 8 Following a three-hour meeting of the Norwegian Cabinet the Government has protested to London. It demands the removal of the mines and warships. M. Koht, Foreign Minister, said: “Norway reserves the right to take any steps necessary as a result of the violation of neutrality.” M. Koht was in bed when he first heard the news. He refused to make a statement. The British and French Ministers early presented identical Notes to Norway. British warships are reported to be heavily guarding the minefields. A dispatch from the Copenhagen correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says unconfirmed reports state that German warships began moving through the great belt of Danish waters today in the direction of Norway. Official circles in Stockholm consider that the Allies’ action is a flagrant violation of neutrality, but no official pronouncement has been made. Authorised sources in Berlin predict that the effect of the Allies’ action will be tremendous. They describe it as a far-reaching decision. A Foreign Office official said developments of the greatest importance can be expected, the nature of which will depend on Norway’s attitude.

BRITAIN PREPARED DRAMATIC ANNOUNCEMENT ECONOMIC WAR PLANS MEETING NAZI BREACHES (Omcial Wireless) (Received April 9, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, April 8 The dramatic Allied announcement of a northern blockade did not find the British public unprepared. Mr Chamberlain’s firm statement last week of the Allies’ determination to prosecute the economic war against Germany to the utmost of their power created the expectation of early effective action. It was most confirmed by the summoning to London of British diplomatic representatives in Southeastern Europe, by the 'creation of an official corporation to develop British trade with the Balkans, and by the communications addressed to Norway and Sweden by the Allies at the end of the week, which were understood to deal with the general question of neutrality. The preparations for the laying of the minefields were undertaken with the greatest secrecy and the actual work was completed with the precision and expedition always associated with the Navy. The operation, which is directed solely against Germany, involves a technical breach of neutrality, but the rules of neutrality have always reposed on the common acceptance of their validity. The persistent disregard of them on one side rules out the claim that they should be applied with their ancient rigour against the other. Germany Breaks Rules Germany has broken all the rules of international'law, except perhaps, that with which today’s operation is concerned. The German breach of this particular rule has not occurred merely because it has suited Germany to observe it. The vital importance for the Allies of blocking trade for German benefit, which is taking undue advantage of this rather imprecise customary law concerning territorial waters, becomes manifest when it is remembered that it is not only calculated to prohibit the passage of iron ore to Germany through Norwegian territorial waters. It will prevent German shipping from employing Norwegian territorial waters to evade the Contraband Control and German raiders from slipping out by the same route to attack our trade routes.

It is confidently anticipated here that the motive actuating the measure will be fully appreciated abroad.

A French evening communique reports activity of air forces on both sides during the morning.