FREE NORWAY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21202, 27 August 1940, Page 5

FREE NORWAY

KING HAAKON’S MESSAGE “LITERALLY HOUNDED” HOPES FOR THE FUTURE (Official Wireless) (Received August 27, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, August 26 King Haakon, broadcasting to his people, reviewed the events which led him to come to Britain with the Norwegian Government. He recalled: “ During the whole first period of the war we were literally hounded from place to place, and during Government meetings air raid warnings were constantly sounded and we had to carry on discussion even when aeroplanes were above our heads.”

Replying to criticism in certain circles that his departure from Norway had caused difficulties for the

country and those who remained, King Haakon said: “ I think we did the right thing. If we had stayed in Norway the present rulers of the country would have been able to force us to accept what they wished. From where we are now we can still represent free Norway. It was clear to me and the Government that the only possibility of recreating a free Norway lay in the vicinity of that side which stands for the right of small nations to live their own lives. “I take the opportunity to express the conviction that the Council of Administration in Norway has carried out its task splendidly and deserves well of the Fatherland for having assumed the task, heavy as it must be to every true Norwegian, of acting as intermediary between the present rulers and the people of Norway.” King Haakon said the fact that he was speaking from London was excellent proof that the rumour should not be believed that he had gone to America owing to differences of opinion with the British Government.